Grill Safety

Make sure the grill, barbecue or propane tank is in an open area with no overhanging trees or branches. Rake leaves, twigs and other nearby flammable vegetation to create a 10-foot clear area around the barbecue.

Place a screen over the grill -- use non-flammable material with mesh no coarser than one-quarter inch.

Keep children away from the grill, and make sure any backyard games are conducted at a safe distance from the grill.

Treatment of a burn

Stop the burn by putting out flames and removing person from source of the burn.

Cool the burned area with large amounts of cool water. Do not use ice or ice water except on small surface burns. Apply soaked towels, sheets or other wet cloths to the face or other areas that cannot be immersed. Keep cloth cool by adding more water.

Cover the burn with dry, sterile dressings or cloth. Loosely bandage dressings in place to prevent infection and reduce pain, or cover burned area with dry sheet.

When to call 9-1-1:

• Burns involving breathing difficulty
• Burns covering more than one body part
• Burns to the head, neck, hands, feet or genitals
• Burns other than a very minor one to a child or elderly person
• Burns resulting from chemicals, explosions or electricity

For more information on how to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies this summer contact your local Red Cross at 753-1182.