Press Release: Clothing Fires: Stop, Drop and Roll

August 27, 2007 – All clothing can burn and some clothing burns more easily than others. The Wilton Fire Department reminds you that if your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL to put out the flames. Do not run. Running will only fan the flames and make them hotter. Do not remain standing. Standing up straight will make the flames burn higher. STOP and DROP down to the floor or ground. ROLL or rock back and forth to smother the flames. Smothering the fire cuts off its supply of oxygen so it cannot burn. If possible, roll or rock in a rug blanket or coat to smother the fire faster. Attempt to cover your face with your hands to keep the fire away from your face. Once the fire is out, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The fatal mistake people make when their clothing is on fire is to panic run. Seconds count. The smothering action must be automatic. A trained immediate response of STOP, DROP and ROLL is extremely important. The running response occurs in all age groups but is prevalent in younger children. Scared children run to find parents or mistakenly think that only water can put the flames out and run to find it. Everyone, especially children, must be taught to STOP, DROP and ROLL. Parents and teachers should encourage children to practice by making a weekly game of it. Make sure they understand where and when to use this technique.

Many clothing fires are preventable accidents. Follow these simple rules: Use caution when working with flame or heat sources. By law, children’s sleepwear must be flame retardant at time of purchase. Washing and care instructions must be followed to maintain the fire retardant feature. Keep children away from heat sources such as candles, stoves, cigarettes, outdoor grills, matches, portable heaters, etc.

 For more safety tips and other useful information, visit us on the web at http://www.wiltonfire.org.