Student Winners Announced for the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Burn Awareness Video Contest

Shriners Children’s Boston is recognizing several schools involved in the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services' (DFS) annual Burn Awareness Video Contest. Students from across the state created more than 60 videos with the goal of promoting burn safety and awareness, teaching young people about the dangerous consequences of misusing fire, and countering incorrect information about fire and burns. These video messages ranged from reminders to check smoke alarms, watching the stove and oven while in use and knowing household escape routes.

Shriners Children’s Boston applauded students for their hard work and dedication educating their peers and the community. “Burn injuries can be devastating and education is the key to prevention. A pillar of the Shriners Children’s mission is education, including teaching the public about ways to minimize burn injuries at home, school and in the community,” said Shriners Children’s Boston Administrator Frances Marthone, Ph.D., RN. “The DFS Burn Awareness Video Contest aligns with our mission and we are honored to celebrate the creativity of our Massachusetts high school students.”

Mateo, a Springfield Central High School senior, won first place for his video, 3 C’s of Burn Safety, a skit involving burn awareness at school. Nauset Regional High School placed second with a video on fire safety, and Dartmouth High School won third place for their news segment on candle dangers. There were also several honorable mentions including Boston Latin Academy and Springfield Central High School. Representatives from the Department of Fire Services, Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (MPIUA), and Shriners Children’s Boston served on the panel of judges for the contest.

The idea of teens educating teens was a prominent theme throughout the video submissions, and judges credited the young adults for coming together to spread awareness. “In an average year, people under 18 account for more than 20% of burn-related emergency department visits in Massachusetts,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “Many of these serious and even life-changing injuries can be prevented through awareness, education and avoiding risky behavior. Our annual Burn Awareness Video Contest gives young people the chance to spread a positive safety message to their peers. I want to congratulate our winners and thank everyone who participated for supporting such an important cause.”

The contest is open every year to all Massachusetts high schools. The submissions raise awareness about fire and burn safety with one-to-three-minute videos. The Department of Fire Services' annual Burn Awareness Video Contest is co-sponsored by DFS, MPIUA and Shriners Children's Boston.