Safety Tips to Prevent Scald Injuries A scald is any burn caused by a hot liquid or steam. Bathing and kitchen-related accidents are the most common causes of scalds and CAN be prevented. The Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas offers tips to help make your home a safe environment. If someone should sustain a scald injury, The Burn Center recommends the following: 1. Remove any wet clothing and run cool water over the burn to slow down the burning process. 2. Avoid using home remedies or ice which often makes a burn worse. 3. Seek IMMEDIATE medical attention by calling 9-1-1, visiting your physician or seeking emergency care at a hospital/burn center. Delaying treatment can result in a more serious injury.
Kitchen Safety Stove/Oven • Never leave cooking unattended. • Keep the stovetop and oven clean, as a buildup of grease and debris can ignite easily. • Keep stove area clear flammable materials. Don't leave oven mitts, paper or cloth towels near the stove. • Dishtowels should never be hung on the oven door. • Do not place or spray aerosols near an open flame. • Cook on back burners and turn pot handles in to prevent accidental spillage. • Wear close-fitting clothes and roll up sleeves. Turn stove top flames off before reaching above the stove. Microwave Ovens • Use only containers designed for microwave use. • Allow food to cool before removing it from the microwave. • Prevent steam burns by removing lids carefully. Stir thoroughly to distribute heat evenly. • Never microwave a baby bottle.
Kid's Corner • Create a “kid-free zone” around the stove/oven. • Do not allow appliance cords to dangle within reach of small children. • Keep hot liquids out of reach of children. • Do not use tablecloths or placemats when small children are present. • Do not cook on the stove, eat or drink hot foods while holding a child. • Keep children out of the kitchen during hectic meal preparations. Assign older children to be responsible for younger children during this time if necessary. • Store all matches and lighters up high, out of children's reach. • Use child-resistant lighters.
Bathroom Safety • Set water heaters at 120 F. Anything higher puts those in your household; especially small children and the elderly, at risk for scald injuries. • Do not use hairdryers or other electrical appliances near the sink or a full tub. • When preparing a bath for small children, remember to keep the water temperature no more than 101° F as their skin is more sensitive to heat. Have the children test the water themselves before getting in.
Heating Safety • Space heaters need space - at least three feet away from anything that can burn - including furniture, drapes and rugs. • Keep children and pets away from all heaters. • Never leave heaters unattended. • Refuel kerosene heaters with kerosene only, outside, after the heater has cooled. • Always use an approved glass or metal protective screen in front of your fireplace. • Store flammable materials like newspaper, kindling or wood away from stoves and fireplaces. • Do not use throw rugs in front of the stove or fireplace. • Have your chimney inspected by a professional once a year and have it cleaned if necessary. • Use only dry seasoned wood in wood stoves and fireplaces. • Addition of wood and attendance to the fire should be the responsibility of an adult. • Have a fire extinguisher readily available. • Never dispose of ashes, hot or cold, in anything but a metal can or bin.
Basement • Always store paint and other flammable liquids in their original, labeled containers with tight-fitting lids and away from heat sources. • Remove trash from your home. • Don’t store anything near a furnace or water heater. • Clean the lint trap on the clothes dryer after each use. • If flooding occurs, turn off electrical circuits before stepping into the water.
Smokers • Never smoke in bed or near flammables. • Provide smokers with large, deep ashtrays and douse butts with water before discarding them. • Douse butts with water before discarding them. • Check around cushions and upholstered furniture for smoldering cigarettes before going to bed.
Outdoor Safety Gasoline • Gasoline should always be stored outside in a detached shed or garage, in small amounts, in an approved, sealed container out of reach of children. • Never use gasoline or other flammable liquid as a cleaning agent. • Never fill gasoline motors in an enclosed space, such as a garage. • Before starting a lawnmower, snow blower, or motorcycle; move it away from gasoline fumes. • Let small motors cool before you refuel them. Grilling • Never use gasoline to enhance or start a fire. • Don’t add charcoal lighter fluid once the fire has started (use dry kindling to revive the flame). • Use grills outside only, well away from buildings, vegetation and other combustibles. • Supervise children carefully when a grill is used. • Never allow horseplay around the grill. |