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Wilton Fire Department Offers Safety Tips During Burn Awareness Week

WILTON, Conn. -- The Wilton Fire Department is reminding residents of the importance of National Burn Awareness Week. 

The Wilton Fire Department is reminding residents of National Burn Awareness Week.

The Wilton Fire Department is reminding residents of National Burn Awareness Week.

Photo Credit: File Photo

"We all want to keep our children safe and secure and help them live to their full potential," fire officials said. "With National Burn Awareness Week here, the Wilton Fire Department reminds residents that knowing how to prevent leading causes of burns is a step toward this goal."

Fire officials said that more than 300 children are treated in emergency rooms for burn-related injuries and two children die as a result of being burned every day. Younger children are more likely to sustain injuries from scald burns, which are caused by hot liquids or steam, while older children are more likely to sustain injuries from flame burns, which are caused by direct contact with fire, officials said. 

Officials released a list of tips to prevent burns from fires or scalding water: 

  • Be alarmed. Install and maintain smoke alarms in your home-on every floor and near all rooms family members sleep in. Test your smoke alarms once a month to make sure they are working properly.
  • Have an escape plan. Create and practice a family fire escape plan, and involve kids in the planning. Make sure everyone knows at least two ways out of every room and identify a central meeting place outside.
  • Cook with care. Use safe cooking practices, such as never leaving food unattended on the stove. Also, supervise or restrict children's use of stoves, ovens, or microwaves.
  • Check water heater temperature. Set your water heater's thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Infants who aren't walking yet can't get out of water that may be too hot, and maintaining a constant thermostat setting can help control the water temperature throughout your home-preventing it from getting too high.

For more information about fire safety and preventing burns, residents can visit the Wilton Fire Department website or call the fire department directly at 203-834-6249.

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