Flammable Fabrics - Still a Danger?
Throughout a typical day, the fears and worries a parent must encounter can become innumerable. Once the kids have been settled into bed for the night, parents should be able to have some sense of relief that their children are sleeping safely and soundly in their beds. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Sometimes the very fabrics our children are sleeping in have the potential to endanger their lives.
In the 1970s, and prior, the number of children dying from their pajamas catching on fire was a major problem. Legislation was then passed to make fire standards mandatory for children’s sleepwear. These standards are supposed to keep flammable sleepwear for children off the market. However, there are still cases that slip through from time to time, such as the recent recall of about 7,000 pajamas from Little Miss Matched Girls Pajama Sets in December of last year.
How do I know if my child’s pajamas are safe?
The most important thing is to check the label on your child’s pajamas. If the label says “Flammable”, “Inflammable”, or “Combustible”, the garment will burn quickly and easily. If the label says “Non-flammable”, “Non-combustible”, or “Fireproof”, the garment will not burn. If the label says “Fire resistant”, “Fire retardant”, “Flame resistant”, or “Flame retardant”, the garment will be slow to ignite, slow to burn, and may even extinguish itself if the source of heat is removed. Loose fitting pajamas will catch fire more easily than ones that have a more snug fit. Also be sure to read the care label on your child’s pajamas. Some detergents and fabric softeners can cause build-up on the fabric, decreasing the level of fire resistance the garment was originally made with. Always follow care instructions carefully.
What should I do if my child’s clothes catch on fire?
Take action immediately. Wasted seconds can add significantly to the level of injury sustained by fire. Tell your child to STOP, DROP and ROLL. Most children have learned this method in school. Its always a good idea to practice it at home as well, as soon as your child is old enough to understand what it means. If your child is too young to roll on his or her own, use a wool blanket or coat to cover your child and smother the fire out. Remove your child’s clothing, except in places where it may be stuck to the skin. If you are inside a burning building, be sure to get everyone out immediately. Then call 911.
For more information on fabric flammability, and facts that could keep your family safe, please visit this website.
At the law offices of D. Hardison Wood, we are committed to protecting and fighting for the safety and legal rights of children. If your child has suffered injury as a result of unsafe, flammable pajamas or other fabrics, please contact our office at your earliest convenience, as you may have a claim against the manufacturer. Contact us today at 1-877-829-7211.
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