CARMEL, Ind. — With another month of winter on the horizon, Hoosiers are not out of the woods when it comes to cold temperatures in Indiana.
So far this year, Indianapolis has seen several residential fires caused simply by people trying to stay warm.
That's why Ascension St. Vincent and the Carmel Fire Department are sharing tips to help protect you and your family.
"We see a lot of burns in the kitchen, related to cooking," said Lori Baldwin, a nurse with Ascension St. Vincent.
Baldwin said other common burns at home are often caused by accelerants. Others are oxygen- or smoking-related. Scalding is also a concern, according to Baldwin.
Tim Griffin, who works with the Carmel Fire Department, recommends everyone have a fire blanket in their home.
"These are quick and easy to deploy," Griffin said.
Fire blankets are 2'x3' blankets used to extinguish a small fire on a surface, person or pet. Griffin says they are often easier to use than a fire extinguisher.
Once a blanket is deployed, Griffin says it is important to get to a safe place to call for help.
"Leave the house, call 911, and close that door on your way out," Griffin said. "Just because it seems like it's out, it might not be."
Fire blankets, according to Griffin, make great practice tools to prepare for an emergency. However, in the case of a real fire, the blanket should only be used once.
"It is a one-time use," Griffin said. "Once you use these, disregard, and purchase another one."
The good news is fire blankets are easy to purchase online.
"They are pretty inexpensive," Baldwin said.
Plus, the Ascension St. Vincent Burn Center is giving away hundreds of free fire blankets at the Carmel Winter Games on both Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10.
Officials say the outpatient burn clinic at Ascension St. Vincent welcomes same-day appointments with burn care specialists.
If a small burn occurs at home, Baldwin suggests:
- Smother any remaining flames and remove the victim from the heat source.
- Cool the burn with cool water — not ice or cold water — to stop the burning process.
- Remove all clothing from the injured area.
- Cover the burn with a clean dry cloth of bandage. Use a thin layer of antibiotic ointment as needed.
- Seek medical attention for a burn larger than the size of your hand.
- Call 911 for large surface area and/or severe burns.