Fire Awareness Day

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Supports National Burn Awareness Day

A burn injury is for life and can cause life-long challenges for victims. With many being the result of an accident that could have been prevented, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting National Burn Awareness Day (21 October) 5,234 children under the age of 5 were so badly burnt that they had to be admitted to a NHS specialist burns service in 2014 – more than 14 toddlers every single day.

The scars are physical as well as psychological and firefighters and staff across Cheshire work hard to prevent accidents from happening by educating young people and parents about the dangers of fire and giving vital home safety advice.

Cheshire's Chief Fire Officer and President of the Chief Fire Officers Association Paul Hancock, said: "We fully support Burn Awareness Day's goal of preventing injuries, particularly to children and the elderly. Burns don't only cause physical wounds, they cause emotional scars too: to both those who suffer the burns and to those who feel they may have been in some way responsible."

"It's essential that adults are aware of the potential hazards in their homes – whether these are hot kettles and saucepans within reach of small hands; unguarded fires and heaters; or high-temperature bath water – and take steps to reduce the risks to family members."

"And if, despite your precautions, the worst does happen, make sure you know what to do. Remember: COOL the burn with running tap water, CALL for help, and COVER with cling film; and if your clothes are on fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL."
The home is the most common place for injuries for children and the elderly so to avoid accidents please follow the following advice:

• Install smoke alarms on each floor and test regularly
• Make and practice Fire Escape Plans with the whole family
• Run COLD water first in the bath or sink before adding hot water – test the temperature
• Keep secure fire guard screens in front of open fires, heaters & radiators
• Store matches and lighters out of reach
• Keep saucepans at the back of the stove NOT near the front – turn handles to the back
• Keep electric kettles, irons, hair straighteners or wires out of reach
• Install thermostatic mixing valves in all hot water outlets
• Store chemicals, cleaners and acids out of reach

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