Burn Awareness Week takes place in the month of February and is intended to provide an opportunity to make individuals aware of dangers that can cause burn injuries and safety tips to help prevent fires and burns.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fires are the third leading cause of death that happens inside the home. Burn accidents can happen from electrical incidents, fire incidents, gasoline incidents, and scalding incidents.
Electrical accidents result in more than 25,000 fires per year and over 3,000 patients are admitted to burn units annually from burn injuries. For electrical safety remember to cover all electrical outlets, unplug toys, and teach children to never play by electrical wires. For more electrical safety tips, click here.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 400 children die in home fires each year and 85% of deaths by fire are in homes. Fires and burns may be able to be avoided by following these safety tips:
- Never leave food cooking unattended
- Have an escape plan in the event of a fire
- Keep lighters away from children
- Shut off appliances that spark
- Maintain smoke alarms
Gasoline that spills or is used improperly can cause severe structural damage and result in severe injuries and many fatalities. In order to help keep you and your loved ones safe from gasoline-related burns and fires, the National Fire Protection Agency has provided safety tips:
- Never allow children near gasoline
- Do not store gasoline near ignition sources
- Never use gasoline inside the house
- Do not smoke when near gasoline
- Clean up spills immediately
Scald burns occur in various ways, such as hot liquids or steam related to bathing and cooking. Children under the age of 4 are most at risk for suffering a scalding burn injury due to thinner skin that burns quicker than adults. Adults should always test the water temperature before bathing a child in the bathtub, and children should always be supervised in the kitchen so no pot handles are used to pull hot cookware off the stove.
Burns and fires can cause serious injuries, if you suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, extended medical care, and pain and suffering. For more information about Burnetti, P.A.’s injury attorneys call 1-888-BURNETTI for a free case evaluation.