Shriners Hospitals launches year-long “Be Burn Aware” campaign
Jan Doherty, Public Education Officer, No Phone Number Available
Monday, February 23, 2015 at 9:54 a.m.
You don't need a fire to get burned. In fact, statistics show that the majority of burn injuries every year happen without the involvement of fire. Burns can be caused by contact with anything from space heaters and stove tops to hot tap water and steam.
This month, Shriners Hospitals for Children launched a year-long campaign focused on teaching adults and children to “Be Burn Aware,” especially at home. To help spread the word, the Spokane Fire Department is offering some tips to keep you and your children safe from burn injuries.
Safety Tips:
- Set the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Never hold a child while you are drinking a cup of hot coffee or soup.
- Keep the electric cords from coffee makers and the handles from boiling pots out of reach of toddlers.
- Keep pot handles turned inward; use oven mitts or pot holders. Keep clothing from coming into contact with flames or heating elements.
- Stir and test any liquid that is heated in the microwave to help prevent painful mouth burns.
- Install a safety screen on gas fireplaces to prevent toddlers from serious third degree burns on their hands.
Basic first aid for burns:
- “Cool-a-burn” in cool water for up to 15 minutes. Never put ice directly on a burn.
- “Stop, drop and roll” means never run but drop down to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over and over to smother the flame if your clothing should ever catch fire. If you cannot physically drop to the ground, smash out the flames with a sweater, blanket or towel.
- “Rule of palm” means that you should seek medical attention if you have a serious burn on your body that covers the same amount of area as the size of the palm on your hand. Keep in mind that a toddler's palm is very small in comparison to an adult's. Even small burns can become serious injuries depending on the age of the patient and their general health.
Always stay vigilant and take precautions to help prevent burn injuries. For more facts and tips on burn prevention, check out the Shriners Hospitals website.
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