We are frequently reminded that smoke inhalation is the leading cause of death in fires. However, the public typically hears very little about nonfatal burn injuries. Since most of these burns occur around the home and at work while performing our normal daily routines, those compiling statistics may never include non-fatal burn injuries for the simple reason that no fire was involved in the injury. No fire, no fire department, no statistic.
A brief survey of your home or workplace will reveal an abundance of heat sources which, if touched, bumped or splashed, could result in a severe burn.
Burns are one the most excruciating of all injuries and, depending on the severity, may require long periods of rehabilitation, surgical skin grafts, and physical therapy. Burns may also result in severe disfigurement.
Accidents do happen; however, there are simple precautions that can be taken to minimize the risk of burn injuries.
- Keep power cords to electrical heat producing appliances such as irons, electric skillets, and curling irons out of the reach of children. Minimize the use of extension cords to such appliances in order to avoid tripping-related burn injuries.
- Always use potholders or oven mitts when handling cookware from the oven, microwave, stove top, or grill. Cookware may actually be hotter than the food it contains. Open lids carefully, so that steam may escape away from the face.
Keep pot handles turned inward on the stove top or table. Open lids to operating gas grills slowly.
- To avoid scalding, set your home hot water heater at or below 120 degrees Fahrenheit (warm setting) as recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Avoid placing kerosene or electric space heaters in high traffic areas.
- Avoid placing heat producing items near combustible materials (e.g., paper, plastics, wood, clothing, etc.).
- Always supervise children in areas around wood stoves and fireplaces.
- Allow lamps and light fixtures to cool before changing light bulbs.
- Avoid smoking around fuel powered equipment such as lawn mowers, gas ranges and propane grills. Keep all smoking materials (tobacco products, matches,
lighters) out of the reach of children.
- Avoid home fireworks displays. Aside from being illegal in many jurisdictions, fireworks can cause serious burns to those not properly trained to handle them. Attend a public fireworks display and enjoy!
If you have any questions on burn prevention safety tips, please contact the Division of the Fire Marshal, Office of Research Services at 301-496-0487.