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Sun Current Guest Column

Edina Fire Department announces Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-9

By Marty Scheerer and Tom Jenson
Guest Columnists
 

As firefighters, it is our goal to try to put ourselves out of business. You’ll be hard-pressed to find any other organization with such a “backward” business model, but for us it makes perfect sense. By maintaining an ongoing commitment to our fire prevention and education efforts, we’d like to see the day come when our fire trucks can remain permanently parked. We take great pride in our public education efforts, and while eliminating all fires may be unrealistic, we strive to see them held to a bare minimum.

Next week, Oct. 4-9, is National Fire Prevention Week, and the Edina Fire Department would like to use it as an opportunity to ask all of our residents and neighbors to raise their fire prevention awareness. This year’s theme is “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned,” which is meant to draw attention to preventing, avoiding and treating burn injuries.

A number of serious burn-causing culprits take up residence in nearly every one our homes. Stoves, hot pots and pans and curling irons are just a few of the most obvious. However, many people tend to completely overlook one of the leading causes of burn injuries -- tap water. Each year, thousands of people visit the emergency room as a result of a hot-water scalding.

A few simple steps can help you avoid a sudden trip to the ER. First, check to be sure that your water heater’s thermostat is set no higher than 120 degrees. Also, check the temperature of your hot water with a cooking thermometer to be sure that it is no higher than 100 degrees when it comes through the faucet. While water at this temperature can still cause burns, it won’t immediately scald. You can also purchase and install “anti-scald” devices on tub faucets and shower heads.

Even if your water heater is set at the proper temperature, use your wrist, elbow or the back of your hand to test the temperature every time you run hot water. It is also extremely important to test the temperature of bath water before placing a child in the tub. The water should feel warm -- never hot -- as a child’s skin is especially susceptible to scalding.

Accidents can happen, even with extreme vigilance. That is why it is also important to know how to treat burns. First, immediately run the burned area under cool water for 3-5 minutes. Afterwards, cover it with a clean, dry cloth. Do not apply any lotions or oils to the wound -- keep it as clean as possible. If the burn is bigger than your fist or shows signs of blistering, seek medical attention.

While Fire Prevention Week is a great opportunity to reacquaint yourself with some home fire prevention and safety tips, that commitment shouldn’t stop at week’s end. Keep these lessons with you year round and always “Stay Fire Smart!”

For more fire prevention tips and information, call the Edina Fire Department at 952-826-0378 or visit www.CityofEdina.com/Fire. For more information on Fire Prevention Week, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.
 

Marty Scheerer is Edina Fire Chief. Tom Jenson is Edina Fire Marshal