Burns often happen unexpectedly. But, you can take steps to prevent them. Some people can recover from burns in a limited time. But, more serious burn injuries need emergency medical care to avoid complications. Approx. 450,000 people in the United States seek medical attention for burn injuries every year.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
- Fire
- Hot liquid
- Hot metal or glass
- Electric currents
- Sunlight
- Chemicals
- Abuse
- Radiation
Preventing Burn Injuries
- You can wear gloves while handling chemicals to prevent chemical burns
- Put covers on electrical outlets to prevent electrical burns
- Keep your children away from space heaters
- Do not wear long sleeves while cooking
- Always check the temperature of your hot water
- Turn off the items like electric stove, iron, curling iron etc. immediately after use
- Avoid using a microwave or oven to warm baby bottles
- If you smoke, avoid smoking in bed
- Keep matches and lighters away from your children
- Throw way the electrical cords that are damaged
- Keep all hot liquids away from your children
- Do not use the fireplace in the presence of kids
- Do not overload power points or multi-boxes
- Use protective screens around fireplaces, ovens, space heaters, and radiators
- Always turn off your electric blankets before getting into bed
- Do not allow your kids to lit firecrackers or sparklers.
- Do not let your children play in cooking areas
- Use a smoke detector in the kitchen
- Do not allow underage children to ride motorcycles
- Follow all work safety guidelines while working with electricity
- Avoid using gasoline to clean floors or remove paint
- Wear sunglasses while going out in hot summer days
- Always use a sunscreen to protect your body from sunburns
- Wear eyewear while working with chemicals, motors or engines
- Avoid smoking near any flammable materials
- Keep yourself alert while burning leaves
- Do not use lighter fluid on hot charcoals
- Avoid storing fire-catching liquids near an open flame
- Never leave the stove unattended while in use
- Use flashlights instead of candles during a power cut
- Always check electrical plugs for dirt
- Avoid using a tablecloth if you have a kid at home.
- Teach your child how to put out a fire
- Teach your children to identify exits in public places
- Turn the handles of pots toward the side of the stove
- Use cool water vaporizers. If you use hot-steam vaporizers, keep them away from your children
- Do not hang dishtowels on the oven door
- Set water heaters at 120° F
- Stay inside the home when there is lightning
- Use the back burners while cooking
- Do not hold a child while cooking
- Never use electrical appliances near the sink
- Never throw rugs in front of the fireplace
- Use only dry seasoned wood in fireplaces
- Repair all faulty plugs and leads
Burn injuries happen in the blink of an eye and can change a victim’s life forever. It takes too long to recover. This devastating injury not only affects the victims but also their families. As prevention is better than cure, follow the above tips to prevent burn injuries. Contact a professional lawyer if you have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence.