Jan 23, 2026 Fire and Storm Safety Tips to Avoid Burns

Fire and Storm Safety Tips to Avoid Burns
By The Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

To stay burn-safe during a storm consider the following.

Generators
Always read manufactures instructions on any generator and follow them completely.
They explain how to run the equipment safely including:

  • Safety precaution
  • How to run unit appropriately
  • How to cool the unit off
  • How to fuel safely
  • What extension cords to be used safely

Generators must always be used outside, NEVER inside, including in the garage, even with doors and windows open. Carbon Monoxide gas is a by-product that is odorless, tasteless, with no fumes to alert us. Build-up of CO requires a fire department fan and equipment to remove. Open windows and doors will not be effective.

  • Monitor generator frequently, turn off when not in use.
  • Always have a battery-operated CO detector when using a generator, even if generator is outside. Any change in wind could potentially send fumes back into your house via any open window/door.
  • When filling the generator make sure to allow unit cooling time before restarting. Gasoline is extremely flammable. Please check your manufactures recommendations regarding cooling time.
  • Do not leave gasoline can next to generator. Never place generator near combustibles (wood, housing, furniture, or clothing).
  • Never plug a generator directly into home outlets. Only use manufacture recommended heavy duty extensions cords.
  • Generators should be treated as you would any electrical appliance, in terms of water. Please make sure you are not standing in water when using.

Signs and Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Exposure
CO directly poisons the cells, especially to the brain. Symptoms are variable, related to the amount of oxygen in the blood. Seek Medical attention IMMEDIATELY if symptoms appear!

Signs include:

0 - 05% normal value

15-20% headaches, fatigue, confusion

20-40% hallucination, combativeness, nausea, visual changes

40-60% hallucination, combativeness, coma

>60% mortality rate of 50% or more

Use of Gasoline

  • Make sure it is stored in a UL-approved container.
  • Transport gasoline in a secured container to avoid spillage.
  • NO SMOKING near any gasoline or gas cans; fumes are flammable.
  • When pouring gasoline be certain that there is no spillage on side of container or around your work area.

Heating & Bathing

  • NEVER heat your home with a gas oven; gas produces carbon monoxide. Also, an open oven door creates a potential fire hazard with combustible materials in a kitchen.
  • If using a Space Heater, place on flat surface, away from flammable items such as curtains or fabric furniture. Only plug directly into an outlet; do not use extension cords. Place reminder notes to turn off before going to bed.
  • Use caution when boiling water for bathing, especially with and around small children. Always check the water temperature with your elbow/hand to ensure water is cool enough.

Candles

  • More than half of all candle fires start when something that could burn, such as furniture, bedding, curtains or decorations is too close to the candle.
  • The risk of fatal candle fires appears higher when candles are used for light. Instead consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
  • If burning candles place them in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders and position them away from drafts or where they cannot be easily knocked down.
  • Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
  • Never use a candle or other open flames where medical oxygen is in use. The two can combine to create a large, unexpected fire.
  • Always use a flashlight, not a candle, for emergency lighting. Keep extra batteries on hand.
  • Extinguish candles after use and before going to bed and NEVER leave burning candles unattended.

TREAT EVERY POWER LINE AS IF LIVE
Although power may have been disconnected solar panels may re-activate lines.

General First Aid
Cool all burns immediately with cool, tepid water, NOT ice.

DO NOT APPLY any ointments, butter or other home remedies. Use only approved topical burn creams only after consulting with a medical professional or The Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. Seek medical attention for any burn larger than a person’s hand size. For electrical burns make sure power source is shut off before touching or removing a victim.

__

About The Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
The Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is the only state-certified burn treatment facility in New Jersey, and one of the largest in North America. With 12 intensive care beds and an 18-bed step-down Unit for less critically injured patients, The Burn Center provides expert care for patients of all ages. For more information about The Burn Center, click here or call (973) 322-5920.