Fire Prevention Month Observed In Bridgeport

News Release from the Bridgeport Fire Department and the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital:

BRIDGEPORT, CT — The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital and the Bridgeport Fire Department joined forces to educate the community during Fire Prevention Month, which is observed each October.

“As the state’s only burn center, we at Bridgeport Hospital unfortunately see the devastation burns can cause including the lasting impact those burns have on our patients and their families,” said Anne Diamond, DBA, JD, president of Bridgeport Hospital. “That is why it’s so important for us to raise awareness for fire prevention and help to stop burn injuries from happening.”

Each year, the National Fire Protection Association comes up with a new theme for Fire Prevention Month, and this year, it’s “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You.” It’s a simple, but important message.

“Our Free Smoke Alarm Program has provided around 90,000 smoke alarms to city residents, ensuring they have adequate fire protection in their homes,” said Lance Edwards, chief of the Bridgeport Fire Department. “This is certainly another way to reduce burn injuries.”

Chief Edwards also noted the Hartford Insurance Company's donation of a 27-foot Fire Prevention Trailer. This trailer will allow the department to simulate kitchen fire dangers and the importance of working smoke alarms. He says it will go a long way toward educating the community.

Education is also a focus of The Connecticut Burn Center.

“Burns are traumatic injuries. Even the smallest burn can be life changing. Many of the burns are on a person’s face or hands and those areas can affect the way you function and your quality of life,” said Alisa Savetamal, MD, director of The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital.

As we head into the holiday season, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for the Burn Center. These small steps can make a big difference in avoiding burn injuries:

• The Burn Center often sees cooking injuries where both adults and children need burn treatment. People should watch long sleeves around stoves, keep handles out of reach of young children and be careful when cooking with hot oil to prevent splashes.

• Another source of burn injuries are outdoor firepits and bonfires in these fall months. It’s important to be mindful of where those fires are placed and to keep young children away from the flames.

• If you have a family member who uses a home oxygen tank, remind him or her of the fire dangers and make sure the person is not smoking or using any type of flame near the oxygen.