Firefighters support National Burn Awareness Day

Cheshire firefighters have joined forces with organisations from across the country to urge people to stay safe as part of National Burn Awareness Day (October 19th).

Burns can cause physical and emotional scars to both young and old victims and a potential hazard such as a boiling kettle or a saucepan full of hot fat can also cause lasting damage to a person.

To help protect people from burns crews from across Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service will be supporting the day and offering advice and information including how to Stop, Drop and Roll in an emergency.

This is a simple fire technique taught to children and involves three steps a victim of fire should follow to put flames out if their clothes catch fire:

• Stop where you are. Do not run. Running can make things worse.
• Drop to the ground. Lay flat, cover your eyes and mouth with your hands.
• Roll over back and forth until the flames are out and get help.

Nick Evans, Head of Protection at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The young and elderly are especially vulnerable to burns as their skin is thinner, so it burns quicker, and they have less ability to remove themselves from danger. We want to highlight what people need to do to prevent getting burnt but also what they need to do if they find themselves in an emergency situation.

"The Stop, Drop and Roll technique is the most important action you can teach a young person so that they don't panic and run around, increasing the flames.

"As part of the day we also want to remind people to make an escape plan so that everyone in your home knows how to get out in the event of a fire."

A few simple tasks done around your home can also keep people safe. These include:

• Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of children's reach
• Make sure you have a secure fire guard around a fire or heater
• Remember that heated appliances – including irons and hair straighteners, will retain heat long after you've used them. Keep them out of reach.

For more advice and to view the Stop, Drop and Roll safety video please visit the website www.cheshirefire.gov.uk

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