Burn Prevention Tips
COOK WITH CARE
Keep children out of the way when cooking. Make sure children know that when you are cooking, the kitchen is off limits. If grease catches fire, place a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Use an oven mitt or pot holder to slide the pan off the burner. Never throw water onto a grease fire, this will make the fire spread. Make sure all pot handles are turned inward so they can not be accidentally tipped over.
NEVER SMOKE IN BED
If you smoke, make sure cigarettes are extinguished in large, deep ashtrays. Empty ashtrays when completely cooled. Don’t smoke near children. After hosting a party, check for lit cigarettes left unattended. Use common sense.
CHECK ELECTRICAL CORDS/SOCKETS
Replace cords if they are frayed or cracked. Do not place extension cords under rugs or carpets. Use power surge protectors. If you have young children, use safety outlet covers to protect little fingers from getting shocked. Teach children about the dangers of electricity and to keep away from plugs and outlets.
AVOID SCALDS
Many burns are the result of scalding. Each year, according to the UCD regional Burn Center, over 1,000,000+ people get burned. Many of those burns are children that are treated for scald burns. The most serious scald burn occurs in the bathtub, but the greatest number occur in the kitchen. Check the water before placing your child in the tub. If it feels hot to you, it can burn your child. Make sure pots and pans are on the back burner where children can’t bump into the handle. Hot oil, boiling water and even steam can leave damaging scars for life.
INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS
Install a smoke alarm in the hallway near sleeping areas and also in every bedroom. Make sure that you have a smoke detector on every level of your home. Test your smoke alarms once a month and change the batteries twice a year when you change your clocks. Use your vacuum wand to clean your smoke alarms to keep them free from dust and webs.
TURN WATER HEATER DOWN
Hot water heaters should be set between low and medium (120-130 degrees) to prevent scalding. Most water heaters are set at about 155 degrees. Hot liquid at 155 degrees can cause a 3rd degree burn in only a second.
BE CAREFUL WITH FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
Gasoline should be used only for it’s purpose, a power source, never as a cleaning solution! Do not use or store gasoline near areas in which there are open flames, such as pilot lights, appliances or water heaters. Use only approved gasoline storage cans. Avoid contact with battery acid, hot oils and radiator steam.
PLAN A HOME ESCAPE ROUTE
Find two ways out of every room. Make plans for everyone in your home including infants, elderly and people with disabilities. Establish a place outside where everyone will gather. Practice the escape plan with all family members in the day and at night.
STOP DROP AND ROLL
If your clothes catch fire, DO NOT RUN!!!!!! Running will add oxygen to the fire and make it bigger. Instead, stop and drop to the ground. Cover your face with you hands and roll back and forth to smother the flames.
COOL A BURN
Use cool water to cool a burn. Put burned skin under water 10-15 minutes. Sources of water include faucets, showers, garden hoses, pools, streams and lakes. DO NOT USE BUTTER OR GREASE! Do not use ice on a burn. This will damage the issue even more.