Most of us learned pretty early that it is a bad idea to play with fire. But even when we are not playing, it is important to be vigilant against burn risks. This week is Burn Awareness Week, and a perfect time to remember the dangers of fuels such as flammable liquids.

“We must acknowledge the serious danger that flammable liquids present in our daily lives,” Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin S. Reardon said. “By educating our community and emphasizing safe practices, we aim to drastically reduce the occurrence of these preventable injuries.”

According to the American Burn Association, a person in the United States is seriously burned approximately every two minutes. While most people survive such injuries, they can lead to serious scarring, lifelong disabilities and difficulty adjusting.

If we practice safe handling of fuels such as flammable liquids, we can do something to reduce the risk of such injuries.

That means properly storing flammable liquids in approved containers; keeping flammable liquids away from heat sources and out of the reach of children; using the correct type of fuel for each item and NEVER pouring flammable liquids near an open flame or while equipment is running.

If you spill a flammable liquid, clean it up quickly and ventilate the area to get rid of fumes.

Alternative means of heating a home can make it necessary to regularly practice these safety tips. The worry about burn risks can mean homes and living things — we’ve got to be vigilant not just on our own behalf, but for the sake of pets and young children, too.

By the way, flammable liquids aren’t just the items we think of as fuel. Nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, turpentine, the contents of some aerosol cans and even some cleaning oils can pose a danger, too. Be cautious, be smart and don’t shrug off safety precautions. Even if your life doesn’t depend on it (and it might), the consequences of a burn can last for the rest of it.