Hot Campfire Tips That Prevent You From Getting Burned
Hot Campfire Tips That Prevent You From Getting Burned
Campfires are one of the best parts of camping. Gather your family around the flames, add a bag of marshmallows and a few hot dogs, and you've got the recipe for a memorable night outdoors. But while campfires bring people together, they can also cause serious injuries if proper safety precautions aren't followed.
Each year, thousands of people are treated in emergency departments for campfire-related burns. Young children are among the most common patients.
Many injuries happen while families are setting up camp and children wander near fire pits that may still be hot from previous campers.
Even when a fire appears to be out, the danger may remain. Hot embers can stay hot for 12 to 14 hours after a fire has been extinguished, increasing the risk of painful burns for anyone who gets too close.
Campfire Safety Tips to Help Prevent Burn
1. Wear clothing that fits close to the body
Wear snug-fitting clothing when cooking over stoves and campfires.
- Avoid fabrics like cotton blends, rayon, and acrylic. These materials can ignite easily and burn rapidly.
- Be cautious of clothing treated to be non-flammable. They can become easily flammable after multiple washes.
- Wear clothing that doesn't require wearers that pulls the garment over the head. This type of clothing can be hard to remove if it catches fire.
2. Keep Water Nearby
Always keep a bucket of water or another water source close to your fire pit. Water can quickly extinguish flames, cool hot coals, and help prevent a small accident from becoming a serious injury.
Before leaving your campsite or going to sleep, completely douse the fire and make sure all embers are cool to the touch.
3. Make Sure Everyone Knows What to Do in an Emergency
Children and adults should know the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" method if their clothing catches fire. Practicing fire safety before an emergency happens can help everyone respond quickly and safely.
If a fire involves gasoline or another accelerant, use a heavy blanket or other appropriate material to smother the flames and call emergency services immediately.
3. Create a Campfire Safety Zone
Establish a "circle of safety" around the fire pit and make sure everyone knows to stay outside of it. Experts recommend maintaining at least a three-foot safety perimeter around campfires.
An adult should always supervise children near a fire and enforce the safety zone throughout the camping trip.
With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy all the fun of a campfire while helping keep your family safe from burns and other injuries.
