Burn facts and safety tips are crucial for preventing injuries at home and beyond. Burns can occur from a range of sources, such as fire, hot surfaces, chemicals, and even sun exposure. Understanding these risks and knowing how to protect yourself is key to safety. From kitchen accidents to outdoor mishaps, burns are common but preventable. Let’s explore some essential burn facts and safety tips that can help you avoid harm and respond effectively in case of an emergency. Written by Arrive Alive, NGO.
Since burns are recognised as one of the most painful and devastating injuries a person can sustain and survive, our second article for Burn Awareness Month aims to arm you with the tools to keep your children safe from this devastating injury.
Burn Facts! Did you know?
- A scald is a burn from hot liquid or steam.
- Every day, 352 children ages 19 and under are injured as a result of a fire or burn-related cause.
- Among children under five years of age, scalds or contact burns are responsible for 90% of burn injuries.
- Children have thinner skin than adults, which can result in a more severe burn.
- The most common places children experience scalds are in the kitchen or dining rooms and in the bathrooms.
- The maximum recommended residential water temperature is 120˚F (48˚C).
It is important to remember that children, especially those ages four 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.
“Never put anything other than water or specific burn dressings onto burns.”
Top tips to keep your kids safe around the house
Kitchen and hot food:
- Keep children at least three feet from hot appliances, pots, pans or food.
- Use spill-resistant mugs when drinking hot liquids around children.
- Avoid using tablecloths or anything a child can pull on and cause hot food to spill.
- When cooking, use back burners and keep pot handles turned towards the back of the stove.
- Always tuck cords from appliances where children cannot reach them.
- Never hold a child when cooking something hot.
- Test and stir all food before serving children to make sure it is cool enough to eat.
- Supervise children closely when they are in or near the kitchen.
Bathroom:
- Always test the bath water with your hand before bathing children.
- When children are in or near the bath, watch them closely checking the water temperature frequently.
- If you are unable to control the temperature that comes out of your faucet, install special tub spouts or shower heads that can shut off the flow of water when it gets too hot.
ALSO READ: Winter burns: how to prevent them and treat them
How to respond to a burn injury
- Cool burns under RUNNING water for 10 minutes.
- Never put anything other than water or specific burn dressings onto burns.
- Never use any oil-based ointment on burns (and definitely no butter!).
- Always test the heat of bath water before your child climbs in.
- Educate children on the importance of fire safety.
- Never leave open flames or heating equipment unattended for even a short period of time.
- Do not burst blisters formed by scalds or burns.
- Always wear sunscreen on exposed skin when outdoors, even in winter.
- Keep Burnshield in your home for treatment of minor burns and scalds.
- Remove clothing and accessories that may retain heat on burns.
BabyYumYum FAQs: Burn Facts and Safety Tips: What You Need to Know
What are the most common causes of burns?
Burns are often caused by hot liquids, open flames, electrical sources, chemicals, and hot surfaces like irons, stoves, or heaters. In children, scalds from hot water or food are especially common.
What are the different types of burns?
- Thermal burns – caused by heat (fire, steam, hot liquids)
- Chemical burns – from acids, cleaning products, etc.
- Electrical burns – from contact with live wires or sockets
- Radiation burns – such as sunburn from UV rays
How are burns classified?
Burns are classified by depth:
- First-degree: affects only the outer layer of skin (red, painful)
- Second-degree: affects deeper layers, often with blisters
- Third-degree: severe damage to all skin layers, often painless due to nerve damage
What should I do if someone gets burned?
- Remove the person from danger
- Cool the burn under cold running water for 10–20 minutes
- Remove jewellery or tight clothing near the area
- Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth
- Seek medical help for serious burns, blisters, or burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals
What should I NOT do to treat a burn?
Avoid:
- Applying butter, oils, or toothpaste
- Breaking blisters
- Using cotton wool or fluffy materials
These can cause infection or worsen the injury.
How can I prevent burns at home?
- Keep hot drinks and cookware out of children’s reach
- Turn pot handles inward on the stove
- Install guards around heaters and fires
- Use safety covers on plug sockets
- Store chemicals and cleaning products in locked cupboards
Why are children more at risk for burns?
Children have thinner skin, are naturally curious, and may not understand danger. They can quickly pull down hot items, touch open flames, or knock over containers.
Are burns preventable?
Yes most burns are preventable through supervision, safety education, and creating a hazard-free environment, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and around heaters.
What clothing is safest for preventing burns?
Avoid dressing children in loose or synthetic fabrics near open flames. Opt for snug-fitting, flame-retardant sleepwear and avoid letting them run around with food or drink.
Should I have a fire escape plan?
Yes. Every household should have a basic fire escape plan, including:
- Two exits from each room
- Practising the route with children
- Keeping emergency numbers visible and accessible
What should I do in the event of a house fire?
Stay low to avoid smoke, exit quickly and calmly, and never re-enter the house. Call emergency services (10177 or 112 in South Africa) immediately.
Disclaimer: This content is for general safety awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. In case of a burn emergency, seek immediate medical assistance or call your local emergency number.
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