RICHMOND FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
RICHMOND, VA
Fire and Life Safety Bulletin
May 2012
May 6-12 is National Arson Awareness Week
The Facts on Children and Fire
Each year in this country, fires set by children are responsible for more than 110 fire deaths, nearly 1,000 painful
burn injuries and hundreds of millions of dollars in property loss according to the U. S. Fire Administration. All
too often, children are the victims. While curiosity about fire is not unusual, fires set by children are dangerous
and deadly. The following are some commonly held myths about children and fire.
> Myth:
A child can control a small fire.
> Fact:
Most fires start small, but can become uncontrollable quickly.
> Myth:
> Fact:
It is normal for children to play with fire.
It is not normal for children to play with fire. Curiosity about fire is normal. Use of fire
without an adult’s knowledge, approval, or supervision is dangerous.
> Myth:
> Fact:
Firesetting is a phase children will outgrow.
Firesetting is not a phase. If a child is not taught fire safety, the firesetting can get out of
control easily. It is a dangerous behavior.
> Myth:
> Fact:
If you burn a child’s hand, he/she will stop setting fires.
Purposely burning a child’s hand is child abuse and is against the law. The reason behind
the firesetting must be discovered and addressed.
> Myth:
> Fact:
If you take a child to the burn unit to see burn survivors, he/she will stop misusing fire.
Going to the burn unit only instills fear, and does not teach a child anything about fire
safety. More importantly, we need to be sensitive toward burn survivors who are trying to
recover emotionally and physically from their burns.
The Richmond Fire Department offers the community an excellent juvenile firesetter prevention program. We
have staff members who are trained to work with both the child and the parents in this very discreet program that
works to deter such behavior. Call 646-6640 for further details.
Teaching Children Fire Safety
The most critical message for children to learn is that matches and lighters are tools, not toys. Parents should
never use lighters, matches and/or fire for fun; children will mimic you and when they do it unsupervised, tragic
events can result. Praise your child for practicing responsible behavior and showing respect for fire. Set a good
example: use matches, lighters and fire carefully , as children will imitate positive behavior too.
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•
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Always supervise young children
Never leave matches or lighters within reach of children.
Use child-resistant lighters, but remember they are not child proof.
Instruct young children to inform an adult if they find matches or lighters.
Visit our website at www.RFDVA.com for more safety information.
Lawn Mower Safety
The lawn mower is one of the most dangerous tools around the home. Each year,
approximately 68,000 persons with injuries caused by power mowers were treated
in emergency departments. More than 9,000 of the people hurt were younger than
18 years of age. Older children and adolescents were most often hurt while cutting
lawns as chores or as a way to earn money.
Lawn mower injuries include deep cuts, loss of fingers and toes, broken and dislocated bones, burns and eye and
other injuries. Both users of mowers and those who are nearby can be hurt. To prevent lawn mower injuries
follow these recommendations:
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Use a mower with a control that stops the mower from running when the handle is let go.
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Children younger than 16 years should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers.
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Children younger than 12 years should not use walk-behind mowers.
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Make sure that sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) are worn while mowing.
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Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones, toys or sticks, by picking up these items prior to
starting to cut grass. Wear eye protection while operating the lawn mower.
•
Make sure that children are indoors or at a safe distance well away from the area you plan to mow.
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Fuel and start mowers outdoors, not in a garage or shed. Mowers should be refueled with the motor
turned off and when the motor has had time to cool down.
•
Make sure that blade settings are done by an adult, with the mower off and the spark plug disconnected.
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Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher,
unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing a gravel driveway.
•
Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.
Gas Grill Safety Tips
Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane, used in gas grills, is highly flammable. Each year
hundreds of people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. To reduce the
risk of fire or explosion, consumers should routinely perform the following safety checks:
√ Check and clean the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, food or grease.
√ Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose.
√ Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease. If you can’t move the
hoses, install a heat shield.
√ Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.
√ Check for gas leaks with soapy water on all connections prior to lighting the grill. If you detect a leak,
immediately turn off the gas and don’t attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed.
√ Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building.
√ Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See an LP gas dealer or qualified person.
√ Always keep gas containers upright and never store spare gas near the grill or indoors.
Smoke Alarms Save Lives…….Are You and Your Family Protected?
The Richmond Metro Fire Departments offer free smoke alarms, batteries and installation. All you
have to do is call the Metro Richmond Fire Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-537-5967.