How to Prevent Burns

According to a study by the Burn Survivor Resource Center, nearly 50 percent of all burn accidents could be prevented if proper measures were taken beforehand. Create a safer home for you and your family by taking steps to prevent burns.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Outlet covers
• Stovetop shield
• Drawer and cabinet locks or guards

Create a Safe Home to Prevent Burns

1. Keep your eyes peeled for possible toddler and baby temptations, such as unused electrical outlets. Children may be tempted to stick their fingers or other objects into the outlet holes, resulting in painful and often life-threatening electrical burns. Cover unused electrical outlets with childproof outlet plugs.
2. Cook on the rear burners of your stove and install a stove shield to prevent children and pets from knocking over hot pots or pans while cooking.
3. Turn pan handles towards the wall in the kitchen to prevent others from bumping into them and spilling hot contents on themselves or you.
4. Do not use electrical devices in wet environments. This is especially important when using electrical appliances, such as hair dryers or curling irons, in the bathroom. Make sure that countertops and floors are dry before turning on these appliances.
5. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to prevent sunburn. You will need to reapply sunscreen every 30 minutes, depending on your level of activity and exposure to water.
6. Wear sun-blocking clothing when outdoors, such as hats with large brims and long sleeve shirts to prevent sunburn.
7. Use caution when handling chemicals found in many household cleaners. Read labels carefully to ensure proper use of the chemicals.
8. Store matches and lighters in a place where children do not have access to them. Keep other flammable liquids out of the reach of children, such as lighter fluid, gasoline and propane gas.
9. Prevent chemical burns in children by keeping dangerous substances in locked drawers or cabinets.

Tips & Warnings

• Review basic first-aid procedures with your family on a regular basis, including the treatment of different kinds of burns. Remember that different first aid is required for thermal burns, chemical burns and electrical burns.
• Research by the Burn Survivor Resource Center shows that children playing with fire may be responsible for nearly 33 percent of preschool age deaths by fire. Teach your children about the hazards of fire by discussing the dangers of playing with matches and other incendiary devices.

Who Can Help: