Burn injuries can happen in an instant, but with the right precautions, they can often be prevented. Stay safe from fire and burn hazards by following these essential safety tips to protect yourself and your family.
Be cautious in the kitchen. The kitchen is one of the most common places for burn injuries. Always turn pot handles inward to prevent accidental spills, use oven mitts when handling hot items and never leave cooking food unattended. Open microwaved food slowly, away from the face and allow the food to cool before eating. Also, never heat a baby bottle in a microwave. Heat baby bottles in warm water from the faucet.
Set your water heater temperature. Prevent scald burns by setting your water heater temperature to no higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Always check bathwater before placing children or elderly individuals in the tub.
Keep hot liquids away from children. Hot coffee, tea and soup can cause serious burns. Always keep hot liquids out of reach of children and use lids on beverages whenever possible.
Practice electrical safety. Faulty electrical cords and overloaded outlets can overheat and cause burns or fires. Regularly inspect cords for damage, avoid running them under carpets and never plug too many devices into one outlet.
Use caution with heaters and fireplaces. Keep at least 3 feet of space between portable heaters and anything flammable. Always use a study screen in front of fireplaces to prevent sparks from escaping.
Stop, drop and roll. If your clothing catches fire, remember to stop immediately, drop to the ground, and roll over until the flames are out. Teach this lifesaving technique to children.
Keep a first aid kit handy. In case of minor burns, cool the affected area with cool running water for 5-10 minutes and cover it with a clean, dry cloth. Do not apply creams, ointments, sprays or other home remedies. For serious burns, seek medical help immediately.
Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home.