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Motor Vehicle Burn Safety |
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People traveling in motor
vehicles need to be aware of the hidden
dangers of heat-related injuries, especially
for children and seniors, on high temperature
days. These dangers can surface even after
short periods of time spent in a hot vehicle.
When outside temperatures reach 93 degrees
Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius). Even with the
window cracked, the temperature inside the
vehicle can reach 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52
degrees Celsius) in just 20 minutes and
approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60
degrees Celsius) in as little as 40 minutes. |
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As
the temperature rises, remember these safety
guidelines: |
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Never
leave a child in a vehicle with the
windows closed in hot weather.
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Tech
children not to play in, on, or around
vehicles.
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Pay
particular attention to children when
loading and unloading vehicles, to be sure
they have not entered the car or trunk.
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When traveling, always
make sure all passengers have exited the
vehicle once you reach your destination.
Do not overlook a sleeping passenger.
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Avoid
hot surfaces in your vehicle. (e.g. safety
belt buckle and latch plates, vinyl or
leather seats, child passenger seats,
dashboards and sides of vehicle) that can
cause contact burns.
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Use
window shades in the front and rear
windows. Place a light covering or shading
over seats to reduce heat build up in the
vehicle.
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Before
entering, run the air conditioner to help
cool off the vehicle.
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Keep the vehicle doors
and trunk locked at all times, especially
when parked in the garage or driveway or
near houses. Children may become trapped
while playing inside the passenger
compartment or trunk of a car.
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Rear
seats that fold down for trunk access
should be kept closed (and locked if
possible) to prevent children from
entering the trunk from inside the
vehicle.
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Be
aware of child resistant locks and teach
older children how to work the driver’s
door locks if they should become locked
unintentionally in the vehicle.
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Contact your local
automobile dealership about getting a
trunk release retrofitted in the trunk of
your vehicle.
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As construction cones and barrels become
visible, you know that a routine 15 minute commute may become
a 30 to 45 minute commute. This can cause you stress and also
can put stress on your vehicle in the form of over-heating.
When a vehicle is running and the radiator is functioning
properly, the temperature of the fluid is normally between 195
degrees Fahrenheit (90 degrees Celsius) and 220 degrees
Fahrenheit (103 degrees Celsius). That is hot enough to cause
serious scald burns in less than one second. When the radiator
overheats, the temperature of the fluid increases drastically
and pressure builds. When the cap is removed, the liquid boils
or even explodes out, potentially causing serious burn
injuries. Common injury sites, primarily to adult males, are
to the hands, face, arms and chest. In addition to scalds,
radiator fluid contains antifreeze that may cause chemical
burns.
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Prevention Tips |
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Before
any long trip, have your vehicle
serviced.
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Map
out alternative routes in case of heavy
construction, to minimize the risk of
your car overheating.
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Never
open a hot radiator cap! Allow radiator
to cool before removing cap.
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Never look into or
lean over the radiator opening. Carry a
first aid kit in your vehicle.
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Emergency Actions |
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Stop
the burning process.
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Remove
all wet clothing.
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Flush
eyes and affected areas with cool water
for at least 20 minutes.
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Cover
with clean dry dressing.
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Seek medical
attention.
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Oh
no, dad's trying to fix the radiator
again |
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Scald
burn to hand from hot radiator fluid |
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Motorcycles,
All-Terrain Vehicles, and Boats |
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When
the sun is shining and the temperature is
rising, everyone wants to be in less clothing
when participating in outdoor activities.
Riding a motorcycle or an all-terrain vehicle
requires more, not less, clothing for safety.
Common burn-related injuries include burns
from muffler contact, having the vehicle turn
over, trapping a person and having gasoline
spill on them, causing a chemical burn or
igniting, and of course road rash. To make
your ride a safe and fun one, follow these
safety guidelines: |
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Have
all vehicles serviced prior to any outings
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To
protect from road rash, wear proper
clothing and attire in addition to safety
helmets.
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Follow
all safety rules for riding.
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If
riding off the road, make sure your
family/friends know when to expect you
back and where you are riding.
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Children
should be kept away from hot surfaces such
as mufflers
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Do
not smoke while refueling the vehicle.
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Do not drink alcohol
and attempt to drive.
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Deep
burns to lower leg from contact with hot
muffler and undersurface of tipped all-terrain
vehicle. |
  [Hotel
Safety]
Supported
by the International Association of Fire Fighters
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