Burn Prevention
Thousands of children suffer burn-related injuries each year. Children ages 4 and under are at the greatest risk, with an injury death rate more than two times that of children ages 5 to 14. Burns have long been recognized as among the most painful and devastating injuries a person can sustain and survive. Burns often require long periods of rehabilitation, multiple skin grafts and painful physical therapy, and they can leave victims with lifelong physical and psychological trauma.
Scald burn injury (caused by hot liquids or steam) is the most common type of burn-related injury among young children, while flame burns (caused by direct contact with fire) are more prevalent among older children. All children are also at risk for contact, electrical and chemical burns. Because young children have thinner skin than older children and adults, their skin burns at lower temperatures and more deeply. A child exposed to hot tap water at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for three seconds will sustain a third-degree burn, an injury requiring hospitalization and skin grafts. 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.
Mecklenburg County Data
Between March 1 - December 31, 2008, 125 people in Mecklenburg County were transported to local hospitals for burn injuries. Twenty percent of these patients were under the age of 10. The youngest children were also the most likely to have severe injuries. Hot water and grease burns were the most common causes of severe injuries among all age groups.
KITCHEN SAFETY
Stove/Oven
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Keep the stovetop and oven clean, as buildup of grease and debris can ignite easily.
- Keep stove area clear of flammable materials. Don’t leave oven mitts, paper or cloth towels near the stove.
- Dishtowels should never be hung on the oven door.
- Do not place or spray aerosols near an open flame.
- Cook on back burners and turn pot handles in to prevent accidental spillage.
- Wear close fitting clothes and roll up sleeves. Turn stovetop flames off before reaching above the stove.
Microwave Ovens
- Use only containers designed for microwave use.
- Allow food to cool before removing it from the microwave.
- Prevent steam burns by removing lids carefully. Stir thoroughly to distribute heat evenly.
- Never microwave a baby bottle.
KID’S CORNER
- Create a “kid free zone” around the stove/oven.
- Do not allow appliance cords to dangle within reach of small children.
- Keep hot liquids out of reach of children.
- Do not use tablecloths or placemats when small children are present.
- Do not cook at the stove, eat or drink hot foods while holding a child.
- Keep children out of the kitchen during hectic meal preparations. Assign older children to be responsible for younger children during this time if necessary.
- Store all matches and lighters up high, out of children’s reach.
- Use child resistant lighters.
BATHROOM SAFETY
- Set water heaters at 120°F. Anything higher puts those in your household; especially small children and the elderly, at risk for scald injuries.
- Do not use hairdryers or other electrical appliances near the sink or bathtub.
- When preparing a bath for small children, remember to keep the water temperature no more than 101º F as their skin is more sensitive to heat. Have the children test the water themselves before getting in.
HEATING SAFETY
- Space heaters need space – at least three feet away from anything that can burn - including furniture, drapes and rugs.
- Keep children and pets away from all heaters.
- Never leave heaters unattended.
- Refuel kerosene heaters with kerosene only, outside, after the heater has cooled.
- Always use an approved glass or metal protective screen in front of your fireplace.
- Store flammable materials like newspaper, kindling or wood away from stoves and fireplaces.
- Do not use throw rugs in front of the stove or fireplace.
- Have your chimney inspected by a professional once a year and have it cleaned if necessary.
- Use only dry seasoned wood in wood stoves and fireplaces.
- Addition of wood and attendance to the fire should be the responsibility of an adult.
- Have a fire extinguisher readily available.
**Information from Safe Kids Worldwide.
