| Burn Prevention
How Safe Is Your Kitchen? Children are at risk - Anyone who is responsible for a child's safety - including parents, grandparents, babysitters and older siblings - must have a basic understanding of the fire and burn risks in the kitchen.
- Keep children at a safe distance from hot liquids.
A drink heated to 140° F. can cause a burn in 5 seconds.
At 160° F., a burn will occur in 1 second.
A child's quick movement could spill hot fluid and cause a serious burn.
- When toddlers are in the home, avoid using a tablecloth. If a child tries to pull himself up by the tablecloth, a heavy object or hot liquid on the table could fall on the child.
- Keep all hot items near the center of the table to prevent a young child from reaching them.
- While cooking, keep young children in a high chair or playpen, at a safe distance from hot surfaces, hot liquids and other kitchen hazards.
- Use extra caution if you use dep fat (oil) cookers/fryers when young children are present. The fat or oil may reach temperatures over 400° F., hot enough to instantly cause a very serious burn.
- Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter receptacles near sinks and other wet areas.
- Keep appliance cords away from the edge of counters, and keep them unplugged and disconnected when not in use. A dangling cord is dangerous because it can get caught in a cabinet door or be pulled on by a curious child.
- Always use oven mitts or potholders to remove pots and pans from the stove.
- Keep pot handles turned in so the pots cannot be pulled off or knocked off the stove.
- Store cookies and other foods away from the stove area so no one will be tempted to reach across a hot burner. Store potholders, paper towels, seasonings and other cooking items at a safe distance from the stove.
- Establish a "SAFE AREA" in the kitchen where a child can be placed -
away from risk, but under continuous supervision. Also, consider establishing a "NO ZONE" directly in front of the stove. Teach your child to avoid this area. You can mark the zone with yellow tape, a piece of bright carpet or other material.
- Use a fill-through-the-spout teapot to reduce the risk of hot water-associated scald burns. The central handle, the single, small opening and a "spout whistle" are all safety features.
Adults are at risk too - Burn injuries common to children are often observed in adults as well, especially older adults. While the injuries are similar, the cause may differ.
- Turn the pot handle toward the rear of the stove to reduce the risk of
scald burns for all age groups.
- Keep clothing from coming into contact with a flame or heating element.
Reaching over the stove could cause garments to catch fire, especially the sleeves of robes, dresses, housecoats, etc. Wear snug-fitting or short-sleeved clothing. Pure polyester, nylon and wool are reasonably flame resistant.
- Use an elastic band to hold long or loose sleeves out of the way. Slide the sleeve cuff up to the elbow.
- Turn off the heat or gas before reaching over the stove.
- If your sleeve should catch on fire, immediately cover the burning material with a potholder, mitt or towel, go to the sink and run cold water to put out the fire and cool the burn.
- If other parts of your clothing are on fire, immediately DROP and ROLL to put out the fire. Cool the burn with water.
Chemicals in the kitchen
- Store all detergents, cleaning agents, bleach and other chemicals out of children's reach or in a locked cabinet.
- Before purchasing any household chemicals, read the contents label and the "caution" statement on the package. Whenever possible, purchase household chemicals that contain less dangerous substances.
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Microwave Burn Prevention
Properly used, the microwave oven is safe and convenient for heating a variety of foods in a short time, but the microwave can cause scald burns if it is used improperly or unsafely.
- Be careful when removing a wrapper or cover from a hot item. Hot steam escaping from the container as the covering is lifted can cause a burn.
- Be careful when heating liquids in the microwave. Since the containers may feel only warm, rather than hot,
they are sometimes handled less cautiously, resulting in the splashing or spilling of a scalding liquid.
- Cooking eggs in the microwave can result in scald burns unless very specific precautions are taken.
Check the microwave oven manual for specific instructions for cooking eggs, squash, potatoes and eggplant.
Foods unevenly heated
Food can heat unevenly in a microwave oven, which can cause serious mouth burns.
- The jelly in a jelly-filled pastry may be scalding while the pastry is only warm.
- Frozen foods may be cold or only warm in one spot and scalding in another.
- When heating foods for a young child, check the temperature by sampling the food before allowing the child to eat it.
- Microwave ovens vary in cooking power. Determine safe heating times and energy setting for your microwave oven.
Babies are also at risk
Heating baby formula or milk in bottles with disposable plastic liners may be risky, because the liner may burst. Also, holding a child in your arms while removing items from the microwave may result in serious burns to the child. Keep children at a safe distance from the microwave oven. Microwave burn prevention tips
- Read and follow the product/manufacture's directions.
- Be sure everyone in the home is aware of the risks associated with microwave use.
- Determine the safe amount of time for heating any food or liquid to be given to a baby.The amount of food or liquid, the starting temperature (refrigerator or room temperature) and the specific energy setting will all influence the final temperature of the food or liquid.
- Be careful when removing coverings or lids from microwave foods.
Puncture plastic wrap before heating foods in the microwave.
- NOTE:
Some manufacturers caution against heating their products in the microwave oven.
- Keep all hot liquids out of children's reach, and keep children away from the microwave and other heating appliances when removing hot foods.
- Use caution and follow directions when popping popcorn in the microwave. The vapor produced in the bag may exceed 180° F.
- Using a baby bottle warmer, especially the newer models, provides a safer method of heating baby bottles. Be sure to read and follow the directions very carefully.
Who should use the microwave oven?
- As a general rule, only those who have read and understand the directions should use the microwave oven.
- Generally, children under the age of 7 may be at risk, unless they are closely supervised. Even children over 7 must be properly taught and supervised.
- The child's height is important to consider. Children should be tall enough that their face is not directly in front of the microwave heating chamber when the door is open.
- Babysitters, grandparents and other care givers should be properly instructed in using your microwave oven before they prepare food or drinks for young children.
- Young children can be seriously scalded as they attempt to remove heated liquids from the microwave oven.
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How Hot Is The Water In Your Home?
Tap water scald burns
Each year, several thousand children and adults are burned by tap water because the water is too hot. These burns can be prevented.
- Always know where your children are and what they are doing. Continuous and adequate supervision of young children is critically important.
- Put a small slide-bolt latch on the upper half of the outside of the bathroom door. This will prevent young children from entering the bathroom without supervision, and will also help control other risks, such as drowning in the tub, chemical burns, etc.
In the bath
- Generally the water in a child's bath should not be hotter than 100° F.
- Run cold water into the tub first, then add hot water to reach a safe temperature. This will prevent a scald burn if the child should fall into the tub while it is being filled.
- Before placing a child into the bathtub, check the temperature of the water by moving your hand through the water for a few seconds. If the water feels hot, it is too hot for the child.
- Toys in the bathtub may establish the tub and bathroom as a play area.
Give the child a washcloth instead of a toy.
- Face the child away from the faucets and keep them closer to the other end of the tub (away from the faucets).
Make the environment safer
- Lower the thermostat setting of the water heater to 120-125° F. A temperature of 125° F. should provide plenty of hot water for normal household activities. The maximum temperature should not be higher than 125° F
- NOTE:
At 130°, a serious burn can occur in 30 seconds. At 140°, only 5 seconds are required. The time may be reduced by 50 percent or more for children under age 5 and some adults over 65.
- Gas water heaters can be adjusted easily. Electric water heaters require disconnecting (shutting off) the electricity to the water heater and removing the cover plates to adjust the thermostat. Check with your utility company for directions to adjust an electric water heater.
- After the thermostat is turned down, check the temperature 24 hours later by running the hot water to make sure the temperature is low enough to be safe.
- Consider installing pressure balancing/thermostatically controlled shower/tub valves which reduce the water temperature to 115° F. or less. These valves can be attached to the bathtub fixtures, installed in the wall at the bathtub, or connected at the water heater.
These temperature-controlling valves vary in cost and installation requirements, and can be purchased at some hardware stores or through plumbers. The resulting safety is worth the cost. back to top
Gasoline is Made to Explode
Gasoline has only one function: to fuel an engine. Any other use of gasoline is dangerous and may result in serious burns. Thousands of people are injured each year when they misuse gasoline and other flammable liquids.
One high-risk situation occurs when a flammable liquid is used within the home, especially in the basement. The pilot light or flame in a gas water heater or other appliance can easily ignite invisible flammable vapors. Children under age three have suffered more than half of the burns associated with such fires.
To understand why gasoline is so dangerous, look at the flash point of various flammable/combustible liquids. The flash point is the temperature at which the substance produces a vapor that can ignite. Substance Flash Point Intended Use
- Gasoline -45° F. Fueling an engine ONLY
- Acetone 0° F. Nail polish remover, solvent
- Turpentine 95° F. Paint thinner, brush cleaner
- Mineral spirits 104° F. Paint thinner, brush cleaner
- Charcoal lighter 160°+ F. Starter fluid for grills. Some mineral oil based 160°+ F. Multi purpose remover/solvent
- NOTE:
The higher the flash point, the lower the risk of vapors being produced, which reduces the risk of ignition of the flammable substance.
- Gas water heaters should be installed so that the pilot light/flame is at least 18 inches above the floor.
- Use only the safest product available for the intended job - NOT gasoline.
Additional precautions
When filling a gasoline container, leave about two inches of space at the top of the can for vapor expansion. Remember, gasoline may be cold when it comes from a service station fuel tank, and it may expand considerably as it warms up. This could result in pressure building and spillage.
- Always fuel power mowers and other equipment outside where there is adequate ventilation to disperse the vapors. Use a funnel to prevent spilling or splashing.
- Keep the container tightly sealed.
- Store in a well-ventilated area, away from any source of ignition.
- Lock up the container to prevent access by children.
- Do not store gasoline in your basement.
- Store only a minimal amount of gasoline.
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Surviving A Fire In Your Home
Knowing what to do before a fire occurs can save your life. Develop an escape plan for your family today. The entire family should meet to develop a HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLAN, which should include the following.
1. Draw a FLOOR PLAN and find TWO exits from each room. Windows can serve as emergency exits.
2. Designate a MEETING PLACE at a safe distance outside the home.
3. PRACTICE getting out of the house through the various exits.
4. Install SMOKE DETECTORS wherever needed.
If a fire occurs and the room door is CLOSED
1. GET out of bed to the floor. Keep LOW
2. CRAWL to the door
3. FEEL the door. Use the palm of your hand to feel the lower, middle and upper parts of the door to be sure it is NOT HOT.
4. BRACE yourself against the door and open it very slowly. Toxic gases or fire may be on the other side.
CAUTION: Some doors may not get hot or may feel only warm due to their construction, so be very careful when opening any door when there is a fire. If SMOKE or HOT GASES rush into the room when you open the door, quickly close it and seek another method of escape.
5. If it is safe to leave the room get BELOW the smoke and GET OUT by the quickest and safest route.
6. Once you are out of the burning building STAY OUT. Do not go back into the building.
If a fire occurs and the room door is OPEN
1. GET out of bed to the floor. Keep LOW.
2. CHECK for smoke and fire.
3. It is safe to leave, COVER your nose and mouth with a cloth (moist if possible). GET LOW and GET OUT quickly.
4. If there is SMOKE or FIRE, immediately CLOSE THE DOOR and use an alternate escape route.
Alternate escape routes
- Windows can serve as emergency exit.
- You can use an escape ladder, a knotted rope, or existing fire escape.
- You may be able to climb out a window onto the roof and drop to the ground.
- Use stairs to get from upper floors to ground level. NEVER use elevators; they can easily malfunction during a fire.
Once you're out, STAY OUT. Go to the designated meeting place. When everyone is safely out of the building, go to a neighbor's house or a fire alarm box to call the fire department.
ESCAPE FIRST, THEN CALL!
Trapped in a burning building
If you should find yourself trapped in a building during a fire, there are several steps you can take to protect your safety.
- Keep doors closed to keep out smoke and fire. Block off the smoke with moist towels, throw rugs or other fabrics. You can also use wide duct tape to seal openings between the door and door frame.
- Close as many doors as possible between yourself and the fire. Stay by the window and watch for the fire department.
- Put a damp cloth over your nose and mouth to make it easier to breathe. You should keep a bottle of water in a closet for such an emergency. You can also get water from a faucet, an ice bucket in a hotel room, a fish tank, a vase of fresh flowers, or a soft drink bottle.
- Be very careful when opening windows. Open them only enough to let in some fresh air or to attract attention to your location. Sometimes opening a window will change the air pressure in the room and smoke may enter the room from the inside or the outside of the building.
- If smoke starts to enter the room through the open window, from around the closed door, or through vents, immediately CLOSE the window.
- Breaking the window may be very risky. Once the window is broken, there may be no way to keep smoke, hot gases and fire from entering the room.
- If there is a telephone in the room, call for help. If not, yell out the window and make noise to attract attention.
- If it is safe to have the window open, wave a sheet, a large piece of cloth or
another bright object outside the window to attract attention. If possible, hang some bright cloth or a sheet out the window and close the window.
- Wait for rescue.
Away from home 1. When you enter an unfamiliar building look for at least two ways to exit from where you are.
2. Especially when staying overnight in hotels or other buildings, always look for the location of exits. Check to make sure that fire doors are kept closed, that they are easy to open, and that you can get to them easily.
3. Remember to use the stairs to get to safety. NEVER use the elevator.
Smoke detectors are life protectors
Most fatal fires occur at night, when most people are sleeping. It is very important to have at least one smoke detector near the bedroom area to wake you in case of a fire. In homes with more than one level, put at least one smoke detector on each level. For proper installation information, contact your fire department.
Multiple smoke detector locations
1. In each bedroom corridor.
2. At the top of each stairway.
3. Protecting normal exit route.
The best protection is to have smoke detectors in every room, in corridors and at the top of stairways.
Having a smoke detector in the hall outside the bedrooms is important, but if the doors are closed, a fire in the bedroom may not be detected quickly by the smoke detector, so additional detectors may be needed.
- Check smoke detectors periodically to make sure they work.
- Change the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year. A good way to remind yourself to change the batteries is to choose a particular date, such as a holiday, when the clocks are set back in the fall, or on your birthday. Change the batteries every year on this date.
- Use only alkaline batteries, or batteries recommended by the manufacturer of the smoke detector.
- Keep a spare alkaline battery on hand for your detector.
Multiple Smoke Detector Locations
1. In each bedroom corridor
2. At the top of each stairway
3. Protecting normal exit route
For proper installation information contact your fire department.
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A Match Is A Tool
Children must be taught the proper function and safe use of matches and fire.
- A tool has a specific purpose and should be used only for that purpose.
- Teach your children that the match is a tool for adults and has a specific purpose, such as lighting candles, starting a campfire or lighting a fire in a fireplace.
- In general, the average age to begin the "Match is a Tool" education is about five. However, parents should determine when their individual child is ready.
- For young children, keep matches out of their reach. This includes cigarette lighters and related items. The wooden "strike anywhere" kitchen match should NOT be used or kept in homes where young children are present.
- For older children, parents should agree to let their children strike matches and use fire when appropriate, but only in the presence of a parent or responsible adult and under safe conditions.
- Many fire play (match play) problems can be solved simply by having the child promise to use fire and matches ONLY in the presence of the parents,
and by the parents agreeing to allow the child to use matches when appropriate.
Fire has an important and necessary role in our lives. The earlier a person learns the proper and safe use of fire, the less likely there will be a desire to "play" with matches and fire.
The proper use of fire includes teaching the safe way to light matches. The following teaching sequence is suggested.
1. Open package and remove match. (Use only the paper match).
2. Close package.
3. Turn package over to the side with the striking surface.
4. Hold match in proper position and strike away from the body.
5. Hold match in horizontal position (after ignited) for 2-3 seconds.
6. Blow out flame and wait until match is cool to touch (5-10 seconds).
7. Repeat sequence.
Most children, at one time or another, express an interest in fire. Some children simply watch, but others may try to experiment.
This interest is normal and healthy, but it must be carefully guided in order to prevent a tragedy. The statement, "Don't play with matches," gives the child no positive information and does not explain the safe use of matches.
A child's curiosity is generally what causes him to play with matches. This curiosity must be
guided by the parents demonstrating the proper and safe use of matches and by letting the child strike matches under supervision.
Allow the child to strike matches under a parent's supervision until he or she does not want to strike any more.
Then establish the child-parent agreement to allow the child to strike matches in the future, but ONLY under the parent's supervision.
- You as a parent, must set a good example in your use of fire. If you follow safe practices, your children will do the same.
- Develop a HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLAN and use SMOKE DETECTORS to encourage fire safety awareness. Giving your children responsibilities in home fire safety will encourage a positive attitude toward fire and will discourage misuse of fire and matches.
Cigarette Lighters
- The use of child-resistant lighters will help reduce the risk to young children; however, these lighters should still be locked up or kept out of the reach of children.
- Parents must avoid using a cigarette lighter as a "toy" to pacify a child who is crying or causing a disturbance. This causes the "tool" to become a "toy" in the child's eyes, and could result in a child starting a serious fire or being severely injured. Matches and lighters are tools for adults.
Young children should be instructed to leave matches and lighters alone. If they should find matches or a lighter, they should tell a parent or other care giver, rather than bring the matches or lighter to the adult (especially for children under five).
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Emergency Treatment of Burns
Types of burn injuries
Thermal Burns
Thermal burns are caused by contact with open flames, hot liquids, hot surfaces and other sources of high heat. 1. Stop the burning. Remove the victim from the heat source.
2. Cool the burn with cold water.
3. Check breathing. Stop bleeding.
4. Cover the burn with a sterile pad or clean sheet.
5. Maintain body temperature and take victim to the nearest medical facility.
NOTE: DO NOT apply oils, sprays or ointments to a serious burn.
- Sunburn may also be cooled with water. If the sunburn is severe or is very extensive, seek medical attention.
Chemical Burns
1. Flush skin with water for at least 20 minutes.
2. Remove contaminated clothing, but avoid spreading the chemical to unaffected areas.
3. If the victim's eyes are involved, flush the eyes continuously with water until medical help is obtained. Remove contact lenses.
4. Follow steps 3 to 5 for thermal burns (check breathing, stop bleeding, cover burn, maintain body temperature and transport to medical facility).
NOTE: In cases involving some powdered or dry chemicals, it may not be appropriate to flush with water. If a dry chemical is involved, carefully brush the chemical off the skin and check the package or package insert for emergency information.
Electrical Burns
1. Pull the plug at the wall or shut off the current. Do not touch the victim while they are in contact with electricity.
2. Follow steps 3 to 5 for thermal burns.
3. All electrical injuries should receive medical attention.
- In homes where young children are present, consider using "tamperproof" or child-proof receptacles or receptacle covers.
- Limit your use of extension cords.
General Considerations
- Remove rings, belts, shoes and tight clothing before swelling occurs.
- If clothing is stuck to the burn, DO NOT REMOVE IT. Carefully cut around the stuck fabric to remove loose fabric.
- Burns on the face, hands and feet should always be considered serious and should receive prompt medical attention.
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How Flammable Is Your Tent?
Most tents, even those that are labeled flame resistant, will burn,
so keep all sources of heat or flames at a safe distance.
To prevent a serious fire or burn, follow these suggestions.
1. Read the labels before purchasing a tent. Buy only a flame-resistant tent.
2. Pitch your tent at least 15 feet upwind from grills and fireplaces.
3. Have an escape plan, and be prepared to cut your way out of the tent if a fire occurs.
4. Use only battery-operated lights in or near tents and campers.
5. Keep a fire extinguisher or container of water available at all times.
6. Maintain at least a three-foot clear area, free of leaves, dry grass, pine needles, etc., around grills, fireplaces and tents.
7. Thoroughly extinguish all fires, and turn off fuel lanterns and stoves, before leaving the campsite or going to bed.
Campfires and Grills
- Supervise children at all times when fires are burning or grills are in use.
- When near campfires and grills, wear snug-fitting, tightly woven, short-sleeved or less-combustible clothing.
- Make sure everyone knows how to put out a clothing fire - STOP, DROP and ROLL.
Handle flammable liquids with care
- Store flammable liquids only in metal containers, preferably safety cans.
- Store all flammable liquids at a safe distance from your tent, camper trailer or any source of heat or open flame.
- Use flammable liquids only for their intended purpose - NOT to start a fire.
- Fill lanterns and stoves a safe distance downwind from fireplaces, grills and other sources of heat or open flames.
- Use a funnel when pouring flammable liquids, and clean up any spills immediately.
- Carry only a minimal amount of flammable liquids, and make sure all caps are tight.
- Handle tanks of compressed flammable gas with caution. Follow the precautions indicated on the tank.
- Use only the recommended fuel for lanterns, stoves, etc. Do NOT use gasoline.
(For more information about the dangers of gasoline, see page 9).
- Consider purchasing lantern fuel at or near your destination, to reduce the risk of fire while traveling.
Camping trailers
- Use only electrically operated lights in trailers.
- Keep cooking and heating equipment in safe condition.
- Check and maintain gas connections and fume vents.
- Keep combustibles away from cooking and heating equipment.
- Keep a fire extinguisher available at all times, especially when cooking, but keep it by the camper/trailer exit door.
- Develop a fire escape plan with your family.
- Extinguish all smoking materials before going to bed, and soak with water.
- In case of an actual or suspected fire, get everyone to safety before calling for help or attempting to extinguish the flames. Fire spreads very fast!
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