The following information is based on
information presented in the NFPA- Learn not to Burn Curriculum regarding Stop
Drop and Roll. The goal is to teach
children to recognize that the “Stop, Drop and Roll” procedure can help
reduce burn injury. This is
presented in a fun and non-threatening manner where each child is given the
opportunity to demonstrate that he/she understands that “Stop, Drop and
Roll” is used only when clothing is on fire, and not in any other
hazardous fire/smoke condition.
The
children are taught that in the event of a clothing fire:
Stop:
Do not run
Drop:
Wherever you are, indoors or out, immediately drop to the ground covering
your face with your hands to protect it from flames.
Roll:
Roll over and over to smother
the flames.
Wrapping yourself in a rug,
blanket or large towel will help to smother the flames. However, do not run to
get these items; use only if they are immediately at hand.
If
someone else’s clothing catches fire, get him or her to the ground and
have them roll to smother the flames. Do
not let them run.
Make
sure the flames are out before removing any clothing and never remove
clothing over your head.
Cool burns by putting water on them immediately, and get help.
It is explained to the children the reasons WHY “Stop Drop and Roll” works: Rolling smothers the flame by removing the oxygen. Covering the face prevents flames from burning your face and helps keep heat and smoke from reaching your lungs.
Clothing
less susceptible to fire:
Tight fitting jerseys,
sturdy jeans, blouses without frills or fullness, clothes with tight fitting
sleeves or short sleeves.
Fabrics
most susceptible to Fire:
Loose woven, lightweight,
fuzzy, ruffled, frilly fabrics and fabrics with a nap ignite and burn more
easily because the admit more oxygen.
One
of the essential ingredients to a fire is the oxygen in the air.
This oxygen is restricted from reaching the fire by the stop, drop and
roll technique. In the absence of
oxygen the fire will go out. However,
running will increase the exposure of the flame to the air (oxygen) and increase
the rate of burning.
It
is important to NEVER use your hands to put out a fire.
Hands are very delicate, easily injured and very difficult to heal.
The hands should, of course, be used to protect the face. The face is even more sensitive and critical because of the
respiratory system openings- mouth and nose.
The
NFPA has documented cases where people have credited the Learn not to Burn
public service announcements with helping to save their lives.
Of these reported “saves” a majority have been due to the “ Stop,
Drop and Roll” technique and the crawl-low in smoke technique.
The
curriculum presented to students at Finn incorporate both these techniques.
“Stop Drop and Roll” is present in January and “Crawl Low under
smoke” is presented in part three of our curriculum in March.