Fire pit/campfire safety

As your children get older, their curiosity grows. This curiosity can lead to unintentional burn injuries, which can occur in your house or outside in the backyard.

Help protect your children from harm when they play outside. While outdoor fireplaces and campfires are fun, families should follow these tips:

• Keep fires small. For outdoor fireplaces, a safety screen should be installed to contain stray sparks and logs.
• Build your campfire or set up your fireplace away from overhanging branches, dry grass and leaves.
• Keep water, a shovel and a fire extinguisher nearby in case the fire burns outside the designated area.
• Stay at least 3 feet away from the flames. This includes adults, children, pets and furniture.
• Never leave the fire unattended.
• Coals can remain hot for more than 24 hours after a fire is extinguished. Do not let children play around fire pits that recently have been used. 

By following these simple tips, you can help your children avoid burn injuries.

If your child is burned:

• Stop, drop and roll if his or her clothing is on fire.
• Cool the burned area immediately with room-temperature water.
• Remove burned clothing and jewelry.
• Cover the burn with clean, dry cloths.
• Immediately seek medical care.