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5 Ways to Stay Safe While Celebrating Memorial Day

  • Category: In the Community
  • Posted On:
  • Written By: Baton Rouge General

Baton Rouge, La. – Each year, more than 15,000 patients visit emergency rooms for burns involving grills (National Fire Protection Agency, 2014). With Memorial Day celebrations scheduled for the weekend, Baton Rouge General Regional Burn Center Medical Director Dr. Tracee Short urges people to practice fire safety with five simple tips.

  1. Only use grills outside, and remember to keep a 3-foot “safe zone” around them.
  2. Never let children play around a grill.
  3. Check to make sure propane tank connections are secure on gas grills.
  4. Build campfires at least 15 feet away from tent walls, shrubs or other materials that burn.
  5. Never use gasoline or other accelerants on campfires.

“Summer allows for fun outdoor opportunities, but it’s essential to know about fire safety,” advises Dr. Tracee Short, BRG Regional Burn Center Medical Director. “Being prepared is important, but prevention is even more effective.”

Baton Rouge General's Regional Burn Center was first established in 1970 and is one of only 125 burn centers in the U.S. verified by the American Burn Association. Because of the limited number of burn centers across the nation, Baton Rouge General plays an integral role in supporting other Gulf Coast states when the need arises. Among the Regional Burn Center’s offerings are support groups and counseling as well as educational resources.

Learn more about the BRG Regional Burn Center’s resources and team of experts by visiting here or by contacting (225) 387-7717 or Burn@BRGeneral.org.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center

Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with 588 licensed beds between two campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General serves as a satellite campus of Tulane University School of Medicine, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter at @BRGeneral.