Are You a Real Man? Humorous Website Gets Men Talking About Gasoline Safety as Summer Activities Fire Up

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In an era of videogames and smart phones, it's harder to take the measure of a man than it was in pre-historic times. But a new website lets men know that it's still trial by fire.

With funny quizzes and manly tips, RealMenRealFires.com can help guys everywhere channel their inner caveman this summer when it's their turn to light a campfire or start up the grill. But behind the humor is a serious message: Real men don't use gas to start fires.

"We don't want to pick on guys who don't know how to start a fire the right way," said website spokeswoman Amanda Emerson. "Or wait. Maybe we do."

Emerson said the idea for RealMenRealFires.com grew out of independent research that showed that most dads don't use gasoline to start fires. But those that do were more than twice as likely to think it's hard to start a fire without gas.

"Basically, guys who use gas to start fires are just wimping out. We wanted to poke holes in their excuses," Emerson said. "Our research shows most men know how to start fires the right way. But some guys need help catching up on their manliness skills."

Guys who use gas to start fires know it's not safe, Emerson said. But they're not just putting themselves at risk. They also are teaching bad habits to kids who look up to them.

RealMenRealFires.com includes practical information on how to start a campfire, grill or trash fire, as well as tongue-in-cheek quizzes where men can test their fire IQ or see how hot they rate on the "Man-O-Meter."

RealMenRealFires.com was created by the National Gasoline Safety Project (NGSP), which is funded by the Portable Fuel Containers Manufacturers Association. The ultimate goal of the NGSP is to reduce gasoline burn injuries to children.

Although gasoline burn injuries are not directly tracked, estimates from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System indicate about 1,500 children a year are injured or killed in gasoline fires. Overall, approximately 14,500 Americans die each year from burn injuries and burn-related infections, according to Shriners Hospitals for Children, and another 1.1 million suffer burn injuries that require medical attention.

SOURCE RealMenRealFires.com