Burn Awareness Week focuses on burn prevention and awareness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 276,086 people received medical care for treatment of

unintentional burn injuries in 2020, with 3,028 deaths from fire and smoke inhalation in the United States.

A few tips to keep you and loved ones safe are:

• Keep little ones safe from burns and scalds by having a “kid-free zone” in the kitchen of at least 3 feet around hot appliances.
• Place hot objects so that they cannot be pulled down or knocked over and always turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge.
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
• Teach children that hot things can burn.
• Use dry oven mitts or potholders. Hot cookware can heat moisture in a potholder or hot pad, resulting in a scald burn.
• Never hold a child while you are cooking, drinking a hot liquid, or carrying hot foods or liquids.

What to do if a burn occurs:

• Treat a burn right away by putting it in cool water for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth. Do not apply creams, ointments, sprays or other home remedies.
• Remove all clothing, diapers, jewelry and metal from the burned area. These can hide underlying burns and retain heat, which can increase skin damage.

When should you call 911?

• See your doctor or call 911 if the burn is larger than your palm.
• When in doubt, call 911. Don’t wait to call 911 or your local emergency number for medical help.  Minutes matter.

If you lose power and rely on a generator, please follow these safety tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning!

Keep an eye out for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning like headaches, dizziness, vomiting and confusion. If signs appear, move to place with fresh air and call 9-1-1. And, if your home doesn’t already have them, please install carbon monoxide alarms and test them monthly.

VENTILATE – Keep generators outdoors in a ventilated area, away from doors, windows and vents (at least 5 feet).

OUTDOORS – Never use a generator, gas-heater or grill inside your home, garage or basement.

MAINTENANCE – Make sure your generator is serviced routinely (check the manual for recommendations)

CONNECT appliances to portable generators with heavy-duty extension cords.

REFUEL WHEN COOL – Never refuel a generator when it is hot or running; let it cool down first.

COVERED – Find a place to use a generator that is out in the rain to reduce the risk of electrocution.

It’s cold out there! Thought it was a good time to remind everyone drive safely this winter.

Did you know that almost 1/3 of Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems? Christmas trees can bring holiday cheer to your home, but also introduce a new fire risk to your home. Follow these tips to keep your home safe during this holiday season:

• If you have a live tree, water it regularly. A well-hydrated tree is less likely to catch fire.
• Never use candles in a Christmas tree!
• Keep your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators or heat vents.
• Turn off your Christmas tree lights when leaving your home or going to sleep.
• Do not plug extension cords into each other or overload electrical outlets.
• Check your Christmas tree lights for frayed wires or other damage.
• Dispose of your Christmas tree after the holiday or when it is dry. 

Share these tips and ensure everyone has a safe and joyful holiday season!

Winter storms can cause power outages. Preparing in advance is key. Here are a few facts and tips to help you be ready for a power outage:

1. Please do not call 911 for non-emergency questions. This will help us keep lines open for emergencies. 
2. Never touch or approach a downed powerline. It may still be energized.
3. Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for light instead of candles if possible. If using candles, place them in sturdy holders and never leave them unattended.
4. Ensure you have clean drinking water. Consider filling containers and bathtubs for non-drinking water needs.
5. Treat non-functioning traffic signals as stop signs. Proceed with caution and yield to other drivers and pedestrians.
6. To prevent electrical surges when the power comes back on, unplug major appliances and electronics.

Remember, safety first! Share these tips with friends and family to ensure everyone stays safe during a power outage.

Winter is here and chilly! Space heaters can help you warm up your space, but also can be a potential fire hazard. Here are some crucial space heater safety tips:

1. Unplug when unattended:Always turn off and unplug your space heater when you leave the room or go to sleep. 
2. Plug directly into the wall outlet: Do not use extension cords or power strips. 
3. Use on a stable surface: Place your space heater on a flat, stable surface to prevent tipping over. 
4. Keep a clear zone: Maintain at least a 3-foot radius around your space heater. Avoid placing it near curtains, furniture, or anything that could catch fire.

Stay warm and have a happy holiday season!

https://www.thereflector.com/stories/cardiac-arrest-survivor-family-meet-with-emergency-personnel-that-saved-her,330732

In a second case in recent months, a cardiac arrest survivor, Jerissa Cunningham, and her family met with the emergency personnel who saved her during the call on Oct. 24 at Clark County Fire District 3’s Battle Ground station on Friday, Dec. 8. The night was full of joy and thanks on both sides as emergency personnel don’t often get a reunion after a patient is taken to the hospital.

“It’s such a big deal for me because I have no amount of money or no amount of gratitude to thank you guys, truly,” said Kevin Cunningham, Jerissa’s husband, during a heartfelt visit to thank emergency personnel who responded.