All Burns are Preventable
While traumatic injuries are common, they’re also preventable. Our entire trauma team is committed to saving lives, but we know prevention is the only measure that is 100% effective.
Providing education on the leading causes of trauma, such as burns, serves our community and our injury prevention mission at University Health.
Burn Prevention is Everyone’s Job
Burns can result from routine activities. Your children could be exposed to these risks on any given day in or around your home or a friend’s home:
- Scalds from hot liquids, such as bath water, soup, coffee or steam
- Contact with fire or hot objects, such as BBQ grills and stove tops
- Chemical burns from cleaners, bleach, batteries, etc.
- Electrical burns from appliance cords or outlets
- Outdoor burns caused by the sun
Prevent Burns Caused By Heaters and Appliances
Household Appliances
Keep these appliances off-limits until your children are older:
- Ovens
- Microwaves
- Toasters
- Clothing irons
- Curling irons
- Humidifiers
When they’re ready for the responsibility, teach your children to be cautious using these appliances. Remind them to always turn them off when they are finished using them.
Space Heater Safety Tips
- Keep children away from space heaters.
- Never leave space heaters unattended.
- Place space heaters at least 3 feet from anything flammable.
- Refuel kerosene heaters with kerosene only, always when they’re cool and always outdoors.
- Remember, electrical space heaters are just as dangerous as gas heaters.
Fireplace Safety Tips
- Protect your fireplace with an approved glass or metal screen.
- Add a safety gate if you have young children.
- Get your fireplace professionally cleaned and inspected once a year.
- Never go to sleep while the fire is still burning – put it out completely before bed.
- Open the flue passage above your fireplace before starting the fire so smoke can escape.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Prevent Burns Caused By Hot Liquids and Steam
Hot Liquids
- Avoid giving your child hot liquids altogether to prevent burns.
- If you’re holding your child while drinking coffee or another hot beverage, prevent spilling it on your child by using a lid.
- Always keep an eye on children while you cook, and them when they use any kitchen appliances.
- Never leave hot liquids unattended on the stove or on countertops.
- Cook on back burners and turn pot handles inward toward the cooktop.
- Teach older kids how to handle food safely with oven mitts and potholders.
- Remind your kids to let food cool down before taking it out of the microwave.
- Open lids carefully and stir thoroughly before eating to make sure the heat is evenly distributed.
Water Heaters
- Set your water heater’s thermostat to 120° F or lower.
- Keep bath water at 101° F or lower for infants and toddlers.
- Test the water with your wrist or elbow.
Prevent Chemical Burns
Chemical burns are extremely dangerous. Chemicals can present two dangers:
- Poisoning by ingestion
- Contact irritation from fumes, vapors, powders and liquids
Household Cleaners
- Keep household cleaners, bleach, batteries and other hazardous items safely out of your children’s reach.
- Do not mix chemicals unless you know they can be mixed. Unsafe chemical reactions can cause burns.
Button Batteries
More than 2,800 kids are treated for swallowing button batteries every year in the U.S., according to Safe Kids Worldwide. Swallowing a battery can cause a chemical reaction and severely burn the esophagus.
Keep coin-sized batteries and devices that use these small batteries out of your child’s sight and reach. Button batteries may be used in:
- Remote controls
- Singing holiday cards
- Toys
- Hearing aids
- Calculators
- Key fobs
Prevent Electrical Burns
While electrical burns are relatively rare, an extra ounce of prevention can reduce critical injuries even further, especially in young children.
- Place plug covers over electrical outlets.
- Unplug all electrical items in your child's reach.
- Don't let your child play with toys that must be plugged in.
- Replace any electrical equipment and appliances that have frayed or loose wires.
Prevent Burns Outdoors
Prevent Sunburns
Always apply sunscreen when you and your kids go outside.
- Choose SPF 15 or higher.
- Apply 20-30 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply every two hours and more often if your kids are in the water.
- Keep infants under 6 months out of the sun entirely.
Prevent Burns from Equipment
Be cautious of playground equipment when it's very hot outside.
Keep in mind kids also can be burned by hot vinyl and metal on vehicle seats, car seats, strollers and seat belts. Cover these with a blanket or towel or place them in a shady spot.