Burn Prevention Tips

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Each year, more than 450,000 individuals are seen in emergency departments, minor emergency clinics or physician’s offices for the treatment of burn injuries in the United States and Canada. In 2020 alone, there were 3,500 recorded civilian fire deaths. The majority of these injuries are preventable.

Kitchen Safety

The kitchen is an area where a little prevention can be the most important ingredient in a meal. It is especially important to watch out for little ones while cooking. Children often want to be helpful and are curious about what is going on in the kitchen. This can lead to accidents, ranging from touching extremely hot surfaces to pulling hot liquid off countertops or stoves.

There are also several other ways to stay safe in the kitchen:

• Turn off all appliances if you leave the kitchen, even if you are leaving for just a few minutes.
• Make sure all appliances are being used appropriately.
• Use timers to track cooking times.
• Keep items like potholders and food containers away from stove eyes and other hot surfaces.
• If you do have a grease fire, smother or cover it. DO NOT use water to try to put it out!
• Never, ever try to carry or walk with a burning pot or pan!
• Cook on back burners and make sure all pot handles are turned toward the inside of the stove.
• Check to see if lighters and matches are up in a cabinet with a childproof lock.

BBQ Safety

Staying safe should also extend to the grilling area, and it starts before the grill is lit. We recommend checking the connections of the gas lines to ensure there are no leaks. The best way to check for leaks is to spray soapy water on gas line connections. If you see water bubbles, there is a leak.

When you are ready to light the grill, make sure to keep the lid open, and never use gasoline to help fuel the fire, as this is how an explosion can happen, which can cause severe burns.

Other grilling tips include:

• Use grills only in properly ventilated areas, as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires increases if grilling in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Do not use an accelerant, such as gasoline, to light a grill, campfire or debris pile. Gas fumes can ignite and cause a large explosion.
• Dispose of hot coals properly: Soak with water, then stir and soak again to make sure the fire is out.
• Always shut off the propane tank valve when not in use.
• Never try to light a gas grill with the lid closed.
• Always wear short sleeves and/or tight-fitting clothing while grilling.
• Use utensils with long handles to stay clear of hot surfaces.

Home Safety

Smoke Alarms

• Make sure there are working smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside every bedroom.
• Remind a grown-up to test the smoke alarms once a month.
• Check the age of your household smoke alarms. They should be replaced if they are more than 10 years old.
• Know what your smoke alarm sounds like so you will be ready to act fast in case of fire.

Plan Ahead and Know Your Escape Route

• Make sure everyone in your home knows how to get out of your house at least 2 different ways.
• Know the meeting place if you have to leave your home.
• Practice your fire drill at least twice a year.
• Call 911 once you are out of the home.
• Never go back in a burning home for any reason.

Skin Safety

Always use a sweat-proof, broad-spectrum sunscreen (which protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with at least an SPF of 35.

The sunscreen should be reapplied every 30 minutes or anytime you have been in the water – just in case the sunscreen gets washed off.

Fireworks Safety

When it comes to the bombs that burst in air, people often think that some fireworks – like sparklers – are safe. Nothing could be farther from the truth. All fireworks can be very dangerous, especially for children.

First, you should get a professional to handle the fireworks show. However, if you are going to handle it yourself, create a shooting zone. Only the person shooting the fireworks should be allowed in that area.

Other safety precautions include:

• Ensure a fire extinguisher, hose or bucket of water is nearby.
• Make sure the “shooter” is sober, is not wearing loose clothing that could ignite and follows all directions on the fireworks label.
• If the device does not have a warning and/or instructions label, do not fire it.
• Never use fireworks of any kind indoors.
• Light fireworks one at a time.
• Never throw fireworks. A malfunctioning fuse could cause the item to go off in your hand.
• Never light fireworks held in someone’s hand.
• Never stand over an item that does not fire.
• Remember that fireworks, especially sparklers and smaller items that stay on the ground, are still very hot, and therefore dangerous, after they have been used.