According to statistics gathered by the National Fire Incident Reporting System, there is a dramatic increase in fires, burn injuries and death caused by the ignition of gasoline vapors every summer.

Sadly, children are most vulnerable. While many youngsters have an awareness of the dangers gasoline poses as a liquid, they are less likely to understand the potential hazards of the ever-present vapors.

Flammable vapors are especially dangerous. They can't be seen, but they can cause fires and explosions in homes, basements and garages. These vapors come from flammable liquids like gasoline and can catch fire very easily with as little as one spark.

Most of the time you can't see vapors, but sometimes you can smell them. Vapors can spread quickly through small cracks and between rooms. If flammable vapors are released indoors via a spill, improper use or a container left open they will build up quickly, spread to an ignition source and catch fire.

Anything hot enough to start a fire is an ignition source from a match to a pilot light at a water heater, furnace or stove. Even an electric switch can cause a spark. All it takes is one little spark to cause a fire if a flammable vapor is in the vicinity.

While gasoline is one of the most obvious sources of flammable vapors, there are other less obvious household products which should be treated with the same level of caution. Propane gas cylinders, kerosene, lighter fluids, cleaning products, oil-based paints, fertilizers, mineral spirits (paint thinner), nail polish remover, furniture and floor polishes, turpentine, hair spray and adhesives are some of the potentially lethal products.

All of these products should be stored on high shelves, out of the reach of children. Furthermore, gasoline should be stored in a UL-approved container labeled "Gasoline." Always make sure that the container is tightly capped to prevent vapors from escaping. Never store gasoline in a glass container or plastic milk or water jug.

It's best to store gasoline in a cool place away from the house, such as a detached garage or shed. If that's not possible and an attached garage is the only alternative, store it away from the house near the overhead garage door where there is plenty of ventilation. Gasoline should never be stored in the trunk of a car or anywhere near gas appliances. Store gasoline in small amounts and only when needed.

Proper use of gasoline is equally as important as its storage. Gasoline is a motor fuel. It should never be used as a cleaner. When adding fuel to a motor it should always be cool. Hence, it's a good idea to fuel the motor prior to beginning a project to avoid being delayed mid-project. Gasoline should never be used indoors or to start fires.

Fires caused by flammable vapors are chemical fires. Never pour water on a chemical fire, because it will spread the flames. Use only a type B or type A-B-C fire extinguisher to put out a chemical fire. A fully charged fire extinguisher should be mounted at an easy-to-get-to location close to where the gasoline is stored. Fire extinguishers should be tested periodically to ensure that they are fully charged and in good working order. In the event that the fire extinguisher is not working properly or does not fully extinguish the fire, call 911 or the local fire department immediately.

If you spill a flammable liquid on your clothing, remove the clothing immediately, air it out right away (out of direct sunlight), then wash it with detergent and water. It's best to hand-wash it in a wash basin to avoid contaminating the automatic washer with oils or unpleasant odors. Wash the clothing even if it feels dry, the vapors may still be there, waiting to catch fire.

If you must use flammable liquids other than gasoline indoors, employ cross ventilation. First, turn off all ignition sources and then open all windows and doors.

To help combat the problem and to better inform consumers, (with special emphasis on little ones), the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has initiated a consumer education program on how to use and store gasoline and other flammable liquids to avoid disasters in the home.

What makes this program unique is its main element, a "family activity kit." The kit consists of a full-color pamphlet about the "Do's & Don'ts" of using and storing gasoline. It has a safety tips booklet chock full of games and puzzles for kids, and contains warning stickers that can be placed on flammables.

To order your free Family Activity Kit, call GAMA at (703) 525-7060.