Studies have shown that children under the age of five are at higher risk of burns associated with cooking than of being burned in a fire.  In fact, burns, especially scalds from hot water and liquids, are some of the most common childhood accidents.

To raise awareness and help parents prevent painful burn accidents and injuries, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has partnered with the International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Services (iWomen) to create two free instructional videos. The 20-minutes videos in both English and Spanish are funded through a Fire & Safety Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The first video titled, “Home Safety,” provides tips to mothers on how to best reduce the risk of injuries and accidents in at home.

The second video, “Fitness for New Moms,” shows moms how to get in shape and avoid injury using simple techniques employed by women firefighters.

When Portland Fire & Rescue Firefighter Don Porth and Kerry Kilner, Lieutenants Stephenie Bowen and Kim Kosmas, and Nurse Janet Woodside were approached with the opportunity to help with the videos, they didn’t hesitate.  Nurse Woodside said the team from PF&R were excited to be a part of a project that helped inform citizens about the importance of fire and home safety as well as fitness and health to help keep our communities and citizens safe and healthy.

All citizens are encouraged to visit http://www.safemoms.org/home.php to view the English and Spanish wellness videos.

  Portland Fire & Rescue