Every two hours, someone in the U.S. dies in a fire. Most of these deaths occur in homes, usually at night after people have gone to bed. This horrifying scenario is even more disturbing when you realize that many of these deaths could have been avoided.

A representative from The Burn Institute, Dennis Neidens, will discuss lifesaving fire and burn information for adults, children and especially for SENIORS. He will talk about burn survivor support programs that help victims cope with their injuries and vital burn research and treatment. Handouts and visual aids will be included.

Rancho Bernardo Neighborhood Watch is sponsoring this Seminar, which will start at 9 a.m. in the Community Room of the RB Library. Refreshments will be served.

Seniors are especially vulnerable to fire! Seniors are more likely to die in home fires than any other segment of the population in the United States for several reasons:

• At age 65, older adults are twice as likely to be killed or injured by fires compared to the population at large.

• A decreased ability to smell leaking gas or something burning.

• Older adults tend to react more slowly once a fire has started.

• Seniors use some medications which may cause drowsiness and inability

to react quickly.

• The skin of older adults is thinner and more vulnerable to fire.

• Memory lapses tasks can contribute to home fire.

Presenter Dennis Neidens will answer all your questions regarding fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, fireplaces, electricity, space and kerosene heaters, kitchen safety, smoking and matches, dryer vents, halogen floor lamps and how to plan an evacuation. He will tell you what you can do if your clothes catch fire, how to treat burns and how to check your heating equipment.

The Burn Institute is a non-profit health agency dedicated to reducing the number of burn injuries and deaths in San Diego, Imperial, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Founded in 1972, one of the Institute's first accomplishments was to help establish the UCSD Regional Burn Center. Today, the Burn Institute continues to: reach thousands of children and adults each year with lifesaving fire and burn prevention education; fund vital burn research and treatment; and conduct burn survivor support programs that help children and adults cope with the devastating psychological and physical effects of their injuries.

Don’t miss this very rewarding and informative Neighborhood Watch Seminar. It starts at 9 a.m. promptly in the Community Room of the RB Library. Refreshments will be served. Come and bring a friend – or two!