With Easter comes camping trips, picnic races and time spent with family and friends, but just because you’re on holidays doesn’t mean you can leave the safety message at home.
The Julian Burton Burns Trust is reminding families heading off on a camping holiday this Easter the importance of burns prevention and fire safety. Julian Burton Burns Trust Community Education Manager, Ms Bethany Farley, said the upcoming long weekend represents the beginning of a high risk period for burn related injuries.
More than 70% of burn injuries in children that occur as a result of children running over or accidently falling into coals and ashes take place in the cooler months.
Ms Farley urged all holidaymakers to exercise caution when camping this Easter. “When setting up a campfire ensure it’s contained and identifiable by using rocks as a boundary around the fire. Using flammable liquids such as gas, methylated spirits or aerosol cans carelessly around a fire or a heat source is an extremely hazardous practice and should not be considered at any time.”
“When leaving the camp, the fire should be fully extinguished using water. Sand or soil will only put out the fire but not cool the coals, leaving the embers as a potential fire hazard. Extra care should be given when handling or using portable gas cylinders. Children should never be left alone with these appliances and they should be checked before each holiday.”
“But if an accident does occur, remember that correct first aid is cool running water for 20 minutes.
“The focus of our BurnSafe program is burns prevention, education and first aid program aiming to teach school children about burn injury, prevention and care.”
Camp safety checklist:
- Check and maintain gas cylinders regularly
- Exercise caution when using gas
- Don’t mix fire and accelerants
- Ensure campfires are contained and identifiable
- Avoid children going barefoot at campsites
- Extinguish campfires with water
