Burn Awareness and Injury Prevention

Story originally published by ATI Worksite Solutions.

Did you know that every minute someone in the US sustains a burn injury severe enough to require treatment?

While National Burn Awareness Week only comes around once a year, we should always be aware of the potential for burns. The below injury prevention tips can help reduce the risk of burns to your family and friends.

To reduce the risk of burns:

• Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees.
• Use back burners when possible and always turn handles toward the back of the stove.
• Use caution when removing items from the microwave – the container may become too hot to hold.
• When removing a lid or cover, be aware that steam may be released – open away from you and back to front.
• Keep hot drinks away from the edges of desks, counters and tables.

Even when all of the above are taken into account, keeping children safe from burns involves even more. The following tips can help reduce the risk of burn injury for children:

• Don’t leave candles unattended. Consider using flameless candles instead.
• Ensure children are supervised near grills, fireplaces, bonfires and fire pits.
• Always have a responsible adult present when using any type of fireworks – even sparklers.
• Educate children in an age-appropriate manner about the dangers of fire. Teach children not to touch or play with candles, grills, fire pits, and fireworks. Familiarize children with Stop, Drop and Roll.
• Turn off electrical appliances that produce heat, such as curling irons, hot plates and clothes irons when you leave the room and move them out of the reach of small children.

For more information, visit the American Burn Association’s website.