Don't Let Gasoline Turn Summer Fun Into Tragedy
Tips for Parents to Prevent Gasoline Burn Injuries
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Barbecuing and gathering around the campfire are summertime rituals for many families. This season, parents across the country are working to keep outdoor fun from turning into tragedy by spreading the word that gas and fire never mix.
"Eighty percent of parents do not use gas to start fires. It's just not what good parents do," said Amanda Emerson of www.StopGasFires.org. "But our research shows some parents mistakenly think using gas to start a fire is a normal thing to do. It's not — and we need to get the word out to keep kids safe this summer."
Tips for parents in the safe handling of gasoline:
- Never use gas to start a fire. Parents who mix gas and fire put themselves — and anyone near them — at risk of injury or death. Kids also learn by example.
- Talk to your kids about gasoline. Teenager Austin Bailiff nearly died in a gas fire. Share his video with your child at www.StopGasFires.org.
- Keep gas out of reach of children. Out of sight isn't enough, for any age. Store your gasoline where children cannot access it. Many parents keep their gas in a locked location.
- Use a proper container. Never use old soda bottles or other makeshift containers to store gas; someone might think it's a beverage and drink it. And even a small cup of gasoline can emit vapors and may ignite.
- Store gasoline in a well-ventilated area outside your vehicle and living space. Consider a detached garage or outdoor storage shed.
- Keep gas away from any source of heat, spark or flame. Even common household appliances like water heaters and clothes dryers can ignite gas vapors.
- Read the warning label on your gas can. A list of safety precautions is imprinted on every approved portable gasoline container. Make sure you read the warnings if you store gasoline at home.
- Visit StopGasFires.org for more information and to help spread the word to other parents.
StopGasFires.org is a National Gasoline Safety Project program sponsored by the Portable Fuel Container Manufacturers Association in partnership with Shriners Hospitals for Children and Safe Kids USA.
SOURCE National Gasoline Safety Project
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