Burn Prevention Awareness

Every year in the United States, thousands of children receive thermal or contact burn injuries from touching hot appliances or other objects. The Hazelwood Fire Department wants to focus community attention on preventing burns during Burn Awareness Week.

Recent statistics show that in the United States, more than 20,000 children under the age of 15 are burned annually from grabbing or touching hot curling irons and receive thermal injuries from coming in contact with electric ranges, ovens, grills, and heaters; more than 5,000 are injured from contact with lit cigarettes and cigarette lighters; and more than 2,000 are injured from contact with electrical cords and outlets.

Most burn injuries in the home can be avoided by following simple safety precautions. To combat these potential dangers, the Hazelwood Fire Department offers these safety tips.

Most curling irons reach the ?one-second? contact burn temperature (l67oF) in less than five minutes; this temperature, which results in an instantaneous contact burn, is maintained as long as the heat source is on. Keep curling irons out of the reach of children, and keep children at a safe distance while using one. Set it on the back of the counter while heating or cooling, and use a safety holder if possible.  Never allow children to play or mimic someone using it. Use similar precautions for clothing irons. Curious children may tug on cords that dangle from countertops or ironing boards, causing the appliance to fall.

Keep children away from electric ranges, ovens, grills, and heaters. Establish a ?No Zone? in front of such appliances, or keep children out of the kitchen or away from grills while cooking. Use extreme caution when heating the home with heaters of any kind; use protective shielding or screens to reduce risks, and never leave children alone around heaters.

Keep matches, lighters and lit cigarettes out of the reach of children. Buy and use only child-resistant lighters. Teach children the dangers of playing with fire.

Extension and electrical cords are twice as likely to cause injury as outlets because young children put them in their mouth. Search for and throw away old, frayed and damaged cords. Don?t allow cords to dangle from countertops where young children may tug on them and pull a hot appliance off.  Use safety devices to cover electrical outlets.

When a child receives severe or extensive burns, the results can be devastating. Numerous operations and years of rehabilitation may be needed to minimize scarring and restore function as much as possible. Even the best medical care can't prevent scars that will last a lifetime.

© City of Hazelwood

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