INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The People’s Burn Foundation always encourages responsible common sense fire and burn safety, but particularly as the winter and holidays approach to save lives, prevent burn injuries, and avoid fire devastation, according to Jim Shaffer, Executive Director. “This time of year with colder temperatures and the holidays approaching there is inevitable higher risk for fires, burn injuries, property damage and even deaths,” Shaffer said. “The People’s Burn Foundation encourages people to practice common sense fire and burn safety to avoid becoming victims to life-changing circumstances.” These basic safety practices will help save lives, prevent burn injuries and avoid property damage: SPACE HEATERS: Keep children away; allow area at least three feet around heater free from curtains, blankets or paper (anything flammable); never leave unattended. CANDLES: Use artificial candles; never leave wick-lighted candles unattended; keep children away; avoid anything flammable near or above; extinguish before leaving room or home or going to bed. SMOKE ALARMS: Place minimum of one unit per floor in hallway; check batteries monthly; replace batteries annually; replace entire unit every few years. ELECTRICAL CORDS: Never use frayed, broken or crimped cords and remove if under rugs or furniture. Use only special outside cords for spotlight, tree and house light decorations. FIREPLACES: Check gas fireplace annually; make sure chimney flew is open; keep children away; clear flammable items near fireplace; never leave unattended; use fireplace screen; make sure fire is extinguished before leaving home or going to bed. COOKING: Keep children at least three feet away from cooking areas. Keep hot liquids and cooking appliances away from counter and table edges; smother grease fire and DO NOT use water to extinguish. MICROWAVES: Keep at shoulder-level or below and supervise children using. BATH & SHOWER WATER: Supervise children and test water temperature before allowing child in tub or shower. HOT WATER HEATERS: Set to 120 degrees or less and keep flammable items away from pilot light.

The People’s Burn Foundation thanks Dr. Rajiv Sood, Medical Director; Kari Gabehart, Clinical Nurse, Burn Services; and the staff at the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Wishard Health Services in Indianapolis for the generous donation of supplies for our Extinguish the Need (ETN). ETN helps families devastated by residential fire by providing basic household necessities to begin rebuilding their lives. The staff at the Burn Center conducted a drive during October and collected six boxes of towels, bedding, cleaning supplies, toiletries, dishes and more. The doctors, nurses and staff at the Burn Center are very special people who unselfishly give of themselves every day to help others. The Foundation appreciates their passion, service, dedication and our good friendship. To learn more about Wishard Health Services and the Fairbanks Burn Center, visit www.wishard.edu or download the PDF below. If your company or organization is interested in conducting a similar drive, call 317-803-2876, Ext. 206.