THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 20, 1996 TAG: 9606190110
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 57 lines
The Suffolk Fire Department has issued safety tips on preventing fires, burn injuries and deaths caused by the ignition of gasoline vapors.
Such incidents dramatically increase between May and September each year, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System.
Fire officials provided examples of incorrect use of gasoline that resulted in fires and burn injuries:
In Dallas, Texas, a 12-year-old girl and her mother were critically burned after the mother tried to rinse her daughter's hair with gasoline to combat head lice.
In Tucson, Ariz., a 68-year-old man suffered second-degree burns after using gasoline to clean adhesive from his kitchen floor tiles.
A 21-month-old Tulsa, Okla., girl was seriously burned after a gas container ignited in a utility room.
In Spring Hill, Fla., a 23-year-old man was burned after a pair of tennis shoes he had cleaned with gasoline caught fire in a washing machine.
All flammable liquids give off vapors which can ignite and burn, fire officials said. Gasoline is the most common form of flammable liquid found in the home and is the leading cause of accidental burn injuries for teenage boys.
Gasoline has only one function: To fuel an engine. Any other use of gasoline is dangerous and carries the risk of severe burns. Thousands of people are seriously injured each year from the misuse of gasoline.
To prevent a serious burn injury or death from the improper use of a flammable liquid such as gasoline, follow these safety tips:
Only use gasoline as a motor fuel. Do not use as a solvent or parts cleaner.
Never store or use gasoline indoors. Store gasoline and other flammable liquids in an approved metal safety can. Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent the escape of flammable vapors. Never store flammable liquids in a plastic or glass container such as a milk jug, and always store the container in a cool place away from the house in a detached garage or shed.
Lock the building to keep children away.
Always fuel power equipment outdoors, away from structures where there is adequate ventilation to disperse the vapors. Use a funnel to prevent spilling or splashing.
Fuel power equipment only when the equipment is cool. Heat may ignite the flammable vapors.
Never use gasoline to ignite a charcoal grill.
In the event that you should suffer a burn, prompt action will reduce the severity of the injury. To treat a burn, the E.M.S. division of the Suffolk Fire Department recommends following these steps:
Submerge the affected area in cool water for 20 minutes.
Quickly remove any clothing that is not involved in the burn area because it may contain flammable or hot liquids.
Never use butter, grease or petroleum jelly because they would hold the heat and do greater tissue damage.
Seek medical help immediately if the affected area is large or if the face or hands are involved.
For more information or advice, call the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Suffolk Fire Department at 925-5745. by CNB