February’s National Burn Awareness Week reminds us of how dangerous burns can be. According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, almost 70,000 people were admitted to the emergency room in 2018 as a result of contact burns. Even more, concerning was almost one-third of those people were children under the age of five.

This means while we may understand how serious burns are, not everyone understands the importance of burn prevention, especially around children.

Burn Prevention Tips

The following are burn prevention precautions everyone should keep in mind:

• Alcohol consumption should be limited around hot objects such as outdoor firepits or grills.
• Children need to be supervised at all times around hot objects, such as active stovetops or fireplaces.
• Electric appliances should be unplugged when they are not in use.
• Have hotpads and oven mitts handy when cooking. Long oven mitts can reduce the risk of burning your hands or arms as you reach into the oven or across hot surfaces. Always assume pots and pans on the stove or in the oven are hot.
• If children are around when you’re cooking, use the back burners of your stove. Keep pan handles on front burners turned into the stove and away from children.
• If you’re using heating pads or heating blankets for warmth in bed, it’s important to turn them off before you fall asleep.
• Microwave food containers should be treated the same as hot oven containers.
• Remember, the glass doors of a fireplace will remain hot for an hour or more after the fireplace has been turned off.
• Remotes for gas fireplaces should be kept out of reach of children.
• The space around objects that are heated (such as fire pits, fireplaces, heating systems, etc.) should be clear of furniture or clutter.

Burn prevention can prevent serious injuries. For more health news and health safety tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today.