Safe Kids Kansas shares fire safety tips during summer months

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Safe Kids Kansas shares fire safety tips during the summer months.

Safe Kids Kansas and the Kansas State Fire Marshal (KSFM) are reminding families to take simple steps to make sure their summer doesn’t include a trip to the emergency department.

According to a press release from Safe Kids Kansas, summer is the season when there is an increase in emergency room visits due to fire and burn injuries.

Emergency department visits more than doubled during 2019-2023 compared to winter months. The highest number of emergency department visits occurred in July.

Barbequing on the grill, making s’mores around the fire pit, and telling stories around the campfire are all great ways to spend quality time outdoors in the summertime. But it’s important to remember that any fire can cause serious injuries to children.

Safe Kids Kansas offers these fire safety tips:

• Actively supervise children around all fires and fireworks. Your safest option is to attend a public fireworks show and leave it to the professionals.
• Teach kids how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire.
• Create a three-foot child and pet-free safety zone around any fire pit, chiminea, or grill.
• Only use grills outdoors. Position your grill at least 10 feet away from your home and away from any overhanging eaves, branches, or deck railings.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup to prevent flare-ups.
• Dispose of coals after they cool off in a metal can.
• Keep plenty of water nearby and have a shovel for throwing sand or dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
• Build campfires at least 25 feet away from anything that can burn.
• Never leave grills, fire pits, patio torches, or campfires unattended. Ensure fires are fully extinguished before you leave the area.

When extinguishing the fire, drown it with water. If you do not have water, use dirt as an alternative. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cooled. However, do not bury coals, as they can smolder and re-ignite.

Safe Kids Kansas and the KSFM urge parents to follow these safety tips to reduce the risk of fire injuries. Ensure you install and regularly test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Plan and practice your home fire escape plan frequently, as children are more likely to do what they’ve practiced during an emergency.

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