Burn Prevention
Serious burns can happen in the shower, while cooking and during other everyday household activities. In fact, about 75 percent of all burn injuries occur around the home. The good news is that most serious burn injuries can be prevented with a few simple precautions.
General Safety
- Install smoke detectors; check them every six months for effectiveness
- Teach children about fire safety and prevention
- Practice exit drills in the home on a regular basis with a central meeting spot identified outside
- Make sure everyone can unlock all locks and open all windows and doors quickly, even in the dark
- If a fire occurs, do not open doors if they are hot and crawl low to the ground in smoke
Bathroom
- Keep water heater temperature below 130° F to prevent burns in the shower or bath
- Supervise young children while they are in the bath and keep the hot water faucet off
- Install a thermostat-controlled faucet or showerhead
Kitchen
- Avoid wearing long, loose sleeves around gas cook stoves
- In case of a grease fire, turn the burner off; cover it with a lid or cookie sheet; baking soda may be used to put out a fire; do not throw water on a grease fire
- Be mindful of hot foods and liquids that can cause scalding
- Keep pot and pan handles turned to the inside of the stove
- Keep lighters and matches away from young children
Other
- Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths â€" do not smoke in bed
- Do not use flammable liquids in enclosed areas or near pilot lights or heater
- Do not use gasoline to burn trash, start outdoor grills, fireplaces, or wood burning stoves
- Do not burn aerosol cans
- Read labels of household cleaning items, and follow the instructions for use and storage
First Aid
Burns are classified in three stages based on their severity. Below are some basic first-aid guidelines to follow immediately after a burn. Any burn deeper than a sun burn should be evaluated by a physician. Remember, if clothing is on fire – stop, drop and roll.
First-degree burns are the least serious burns, in which the skin is usually red, with swelling and pain sometimes present.
Second-degree burns are deeper with blisters and severe pain.
- Cool the burn under cold running water for at least five minutes
- Do not use ice
- Do not break any blisters
- Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage
- Treat as a major burn and get medical help
Third-degree burns – the most serious burns are painless – they involve several layers of tissue damage and tissue may be charred black or appear dry and white.
- Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance immediately
- Do not remove burnt clothing
- Do not immerse large, severe burns in cold water
- Check for circulation â€" breathing, coughing and movement; if no circulation, begin CPR
- Difficulty breathing may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies burn
- Elevate the burned body part above heart level, if possible
- Cover the burn with a clean, moist bandage or cloth
