Summer safety tips: campfire, BBQ and fireworks

(Special to The Dallas Examiner) – Temperatures are at or near the century mark. The days are sweltering and the nights are not much better. About the only thing that offers relief is a cooling dip in a pond or lake. Then as the sun sets, campfires and grills become a source of cooking and light for campgrounds and backyards. It’s summer in Texas.Camping is a welcome adventure for family and friends, however, experts with Parkland Memorial Hospital’s Regional Burn Center stated it is important to talk to children about campfire safety before the trip begins.Related Stories The same holds true when grilling outdoors whether in the backyard or near the lake.“Getting out of the house, cooking in the country and sleeping under the stars can be fun,” said Sarah Scoins, MSN, RN, Parkland’s Burn Outreach and Injury Prevention educator. “But in the blink of an eye an accident can happen that could change your life forever.”That’s what happened in May to Wendy Martin.Looking forward to grilling an evening meal, Martin realized she was out of lighter fluid for her backyard barbecue. Not deterred, she doused the coals with rubbing alcohol and lit a match. The flame quickly ignited the...