Burn Awareness Week is Feb. 7–13, 2016.
Mazol Shriners of Newfoundland and Labrador and Shriners Hospitals for Children are asking adults and children to “Be Burn Aware,” especially at home.
Did you know…
Every day, hundreds of young children with burn injuries are taken to emergency rooms with scald injuries? 90% of burn injuries to children ages 5 and under are scalds or other contact burns. Scald burns are typically related to ordinary activities, especially bathing, cooking and eating. Most scald injuries occur in the home. People of all ages can be burned in 30 seconds by a flowing liquid that is 54°C; at 60°C it can take only 5 seconds and at 71°C, just one second before a severe burn occurs.
Be Safe in your bathroom.
Lower the water heater temperature to 49 degrees Celsius or less. When filling the bathtub, run the cold water first, then mix with warmer water and remember, before placing your child in the bathtub, check the water temperature by moving your hands through the water. If the water feels hot to an adult, it is TOO hot for a child!
Be Safe in the kitchen.
Remember to turn pot handles inwards on the stove. Stir all microwaved foods thoroughly. Do not use deep fat fryers around children. Use placemats instead of tablecloths.
Be safe throughout your home.
Use electrical outlet covers. Install an appropriate number of smoke detectors and check the batteries at least every 6 months. Teach your children matches are not a toy. Do not leave lighted candles unattended. Follow instructions and cautions when heating items in a microwave oven.
Remember to call 911 immediately in the case of an emergency.