How to Stay Fire Safe in the Outdoors

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Shriners Burns Hospital - Boston
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Shriners Hospital for Children
A world leader in pediatric burn care since 1968
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• Buy only a flame resistant tent.
• Make sure everyone knows how to put out a clothing fire by STOP - DROP - and ROLL.
• Pack snug fitting, tightly woven, and/or short sleeved clothes to wear while cooking or around camp fires.
• Carry flammable fuels in the proper containers.  Bring only as much as you need.
  

• Pitch your tent at least 15 feet upwind from grills and fire places.
• Maintain at least a three-foot clear area, free of leaves, dry grass, pine needles, etc., around grills, fireplaces and tents.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or container of water available near your tent at all times.
• Use only battery operated lights in or near tents and campers.
• Have an escape plan.  Be prepared to cut your way out of the tent.
  

• Supervise children at all times when fires are burning or grills are in use.
• Thoroughly extinguish all fires (coals should be cold) and turn off all fuel lanterns and stoves before leaving the campsite or going to bed.
• Wear snug fitting, tightly woven, and/or short sleeved clothes while cooking or around camp fires.  Pull back and secure long, loose hair.
• Never bury hot coals in the sand.
  

• Store flammable liquids at a safe distance from your tent, camper or any source of heat or open flame.
• Use flammable liquids ONLY for their intended purpose.  Do not use them to start fires.
• Use only the recommended fuel for lanterns, stoves, etc.  DO NOT USE Gasoline.
• Use a funnel to fill fuel tanks.  Clean up any spills immediately.
• Fill lanterns and stoves a safe distance downwind from fireplaces, grills and other sources of heat or open flames.
• Handle tanks of compressed flammable gases with caution. Follow precautions indicated on the tank.
  

• Use only electrically operated lights in trailers.
• Keep cooking and heating equipment in safe condition.
• Check and maintain gas connections and fume vents.
• Keep combustibles away from heating and cooking equipment.
• Keep a fire extinguisher available at all times, especially when cooking, but keep it by the camper exit door.
• Develop a fire escape plan with your family.
• Thoroughly extinguish all smoking materials with water.
  

1. Stop the burning process.
   For clothing ignition - Stop - Drop and Roll.
   For hot liquids - remove soaked clothing immediately.
2. Cool small burns with clean water.
3. Seek medical attention for all but very minor burns.