Burn Safety 101: How To Keep Your Whole Family Safe

This Patch article is sponsored by Banner - University Medicine.

Burn injuries can range in severity, but one thing is true for first-, second- and third-degree burns: Prevention is always best.

Should you experience a burn injury caused by fire, chemicals, electricity or the sun, Banner – University Medical Center Tucson's Burn and Complex Wound Care Clinic is here to help. Their experienced team of specialists provide treatment and follow-up care for adult and pediatric patients with minor to severe burns.

With that said, you can avoid many burn injuries by following these expert-recommended safety tips:

If you have a medical emergency, please call 911.

Practice General Fire Safety At Home

Home fires often do happen unexpectedly, but you can take precautions to prevent them. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends the following:

• Put smoke alarms in your home, and check them monthly.
• Create a family escape plan, and have regular fire drills at home.
• Designate a meeting place outside your home in case of a fire.
• Have your chimney and fireplace inspected by a professional once a year.
• Keep at least one fire extinguisher in your home, and know how to use it.

Be Proactive In The Kitchen

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most kids who end up in burn units were not burned in fires; they were burned by food or something involving the preparation and consumption of food.

You should never leave food cooking on the stove unattended — especially if children are in the house. The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends using back burners whenever possible and turning pot handles away from reaching hands.

Don't hold a child while cooking or removing hot food from the microwave, oven or stove. Teach kids at a young age which appliances are hot and should not be touched without parental supervision.

Be mindful of the microwave, too. The AAP recommends only placing microwaves where young children are unable to reach them. Make sure to stir food well or let it stand for two minutes before tasting it so the heat can distribute evenly.

Protect Your Family (And Yourself) From Tap Water Scalds

The AAP recommends adjusting your water heater so the hottest temperature at the faucet is no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. When running a bath, test the water with your wrist or elbow before submerging your whole body.

Once children are old enough to turn faucets on by themselves, show them how they can start the cold water before turning it too hot.

Keep Matches And Lighters Away From Children

Matches and lighters should be locked and out of reach from kids. Adults should be mindful of using them, too. Make sure matches are fully extinguished before discarding them, and securely store matches and lighters where kids and teens cannot gain access to them. On a related note, you should never leave lit candles unattended.

Cover Electrical Outlets

To prevent electrical burns, the AAFP recommends putting safety covers on any electrical outlets that are within a child's reach. Throw out electrical cords that are frayed or damaged.

To prevent electrical fires, experts recommend having a licensed electrician check the wiring in your home at least once every 10 years.

Be Mindful Of Unexpected Causes Of Burns During Summer Months

The sun can be damaging to your skin any time of year, but many people spend more time exposed during the summer months. It's important to wear sunscreen and protect your skin, but Lourdes Castañón , M.D., the director of the Burn Program at Banner University Medicine Tucson wants people to be aware of other summer safety concerns as well. These include:

Asphalt — Asphalt can reach extremely hot temperatures even when the temperature outside is fairly mild. According to Dr. Castañón , asphalt is a major burn hazard on Arizona summer days.

Objects in the sun — Car door handles, seatbelt buckles and other metal car parts conduct heat quickly can turn into burn hazards after sitting in the sun for only minutes. In hot weather, Dr. Castañón recommends parking in shady areas, using a sun shade and opening car doors with a towel or over mitt. Warn children not to touch hot cars.

Barbecues — Improperly handling or disposing of coals can result in serious burns or even fires. The charcoal company Kingsford recommends "suffocating" the fire. To do this, simply close the lid on your grill, and shut the vents until the ash has completely cooled, at least 48 hours. Once your used charcoal and ash is completely cold, you can throw it away.

Fireworks — According to the AAP, more than 12,000 fireworks injuries — many of them burns — were treated in emergency rooms in 2017. Experts recommend you avoid lighting fireworks entirely, even if they're marketed for consumer use.

If you are dealing with a burn, contact Banner – University Medical Center Tucson's Burn and Complex Wound Care Clinic. They're here to help you on your road to recovery.

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