Burn Awareness Week Starts February 1, 2015

DEM Blogger

February 1, 2015

Scald injuries affect all ages. Young children and the elderly are most vulnerable. This is why the American Burn Association wants to provide you with information on scald injury prevention.

Annually in the United States and Canada, over 500,000 people receive medical treatment for burn injuries. Roughly half of these injuries are scalds.

Most burns occur in the home, usually in the kitchen or bathroom.

Scalds can be prevented through increased awareness of scald hazards and by making simple environmental or behavioral changes. These include providing a “kid-safe” zone while preparing and serving hot foods and beverages, and lowering the water heater thermostat to deliver water at a temperature not to exceed 120 degrees.

All children are also at risk for contact, electrical and chemical burns.  It is important to remember that young children have thinner skin than older children and adults, and their skin burns at lower temperatures and more deeply.

Children, especially those ages 4 and under, may not perceive danger, have less control of their environment, may lack the ability to escape a life-threatening burn situation and may not be able to tolerate the physical stress of a burn injury.

Remember:

• Do not place hot foods or liquids near the counter’s edge or within a child’s reach.
• Do not hold children while cooking.
• Make the stove area a “Kid-Free Zone” (3 feet is a good distance).
• Mark it on the floor with bright tape.
• Keep electrical cords out of reach of children.

Here’s more good information on preventing burns and scald injuries:

• Cooking Safety for Older Adults – Do’s and Don’ts
• Children’s Scald Burns – Do’s and Don’ts
• Other resources for burn prevention