4 Feb 2004
News Conference Focuses Attention on Burn Injury Awareness, Prevention
DALLAS–Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Mike Moses joined members of the Shriners at a news conference at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the DISD School Administration Building, to call attention to burn injury prevention during the Shriners' annual Burn Awareness Week.
Hella Temple Potentate Jerry Norvell, Burn Awareness Week chairman Lonnie Welch and other Shriners said the purpose of Burn Awareness Week is to call attention to the terrible toll caused by burn injuries and to remind the public that many injuries are preventable. Representatives of Dallas Fire-Rescue Department and Parkland Hospital's Burn Unit also attended to underscore the importance of burn prevention education. Students from James Bonham Elementary School demonstrated "stop, drop and roll" burn safety techniques the Shriners say should be taught to all school-age children to help save lives in the event of a fire.
Burn Awareness Week is Feb. 1-7. The theme for this year's observance is Preventing Gasoline-Related Burns. During the annual observance, Shriners distribute thousands of burn tip cards to schools highlighting strategies families can employ to reduce the incidence of burn injuries.
Moses urged parents to use the information as the basis for educating children about burn prevention.
"We join the Shriners in strongly encouraging all citizens to be mindful of dangerous situations that could lead to burn injuries, and we especially remind parents that making children aware of the dangers of fire is the first line of defense against burns in the home," said Moses.
The focus of this year's Shriner's Burn Awareness Week observance is preventing gasoline-related burn injuries. Prevention strategies include:
Installing smoke detectors in each bedroom corridor, at the top of each stairway and along your normal exit route. Replace the batteries every year–for example, on your birthday or on particular holiday.
Setting the water heater in your home no higher than 120-125 degrees; at 130 degrees, a severe scald burn can occur in only 30 seconds.
In the Kitchen:
Keep pot handles turned in and keep appliance cords away from the edge of the counter.
Keep hot liquids and other hot items away from the edge of the table or counter.
Establish a "safe area" where a child can be placed away from risk.
Establish a "No Zone" in front of the stove, and teach your child to stay away from that area.
Be careful using the microwave oven. Hot steam escaping from the container can cause scald burns, and foods can be only warm in one spot and scalding in another.
In the Bathroom:
Do not leave young children alone in the bathroom for any reason.
Do not use gasoline for any purpose other than to fuel an engine. Use the safest product available for the intended job.
Outside:
Always fuel power mowers outside where there is adequate ventilation.