​Memorial Day Safety Tips From SBU Hospital Burn Center

As the unofficial kick-off to summer, Memorial Day weekend is filled with fun including lots of celebrations featuring cookouts and barbecues. The Stony Brook University Hospital Burn Center is providing guidance and tips on precautions to eliminate potential dangers that could lead to serious burn injuries.

To avoid injury, Dr. Steven Sandoval, the medical director of the Stony Brook University Hospital Burn Center, says:

1. Please don't leave hot coals from fire pits and barbecues laying on the ground for people to step in.
2. Limit the use of flammable liquids to start your fire pits and barbecues.
3. Use only approved lighter fluids that are meant for cooking purposes. No gasoline or kerosene.
4. Be vigilant about keeping children away from playing with and around fire and near the barbecue station.
5. Stay protected from the sun. Use hats and sunblock, and realize that sunblock needs to be reapplied after swimming or after sweating.

As the only designated burn care facility for more than 1.5 million residents of Suffolk County, the Stony Brook University Hospital Burn Center coordinates burn services throughout the county, and conducts training and research in burn care. The Burn Center also serves as a resource to neighboring community-based hospitals. Patients of all ages – from infants through geriatrics – are treated at the Burn Center.