Preventing Flame Burns
- Never play with matches or lighters. Always keep them out of reach of children.
- Always stop, drop, and roll — never run — if your clothing catches fire.
- Do not leave the room or go to sleep with candles burning.
- Do not leave children alone near grills, fireworks, fireplaces, candles, or fire pits. Keep them at least three feet away.
- Be safe while handling fireworks.
- Make sure your home has working smoke alarms on every floor. Check the batteries monthly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.
- Use space heaters carefully.
- Teach your children what to do if they hear a smoke alarm.
- Teach your children how to escape your home in a fire. Know two or more ways to get out of every room. Do a practice drill at least monthly.
- Once a year, have a professional check and clean your chimney and fireplace.
- At least every 10 years, have a professional electrician check the wiring in your home.
Preventing Burns in the Kitchen
- Keep young children at least three feet away if you are cooking or moving food or liquid that is hot.
- When cooking, wear clothes with short, fitted sleeves.
- To smother a fire on the stove, put a lid over it.
- Turn pan and skillet handles to the back of the stove.
Preventing Contact Burns
- Do not place your child in a car seat before determining whether the surface is hot.
- Unplug hot curling and clothing irons when you are done using them. Always keep them away from children.
Prevent Burn Injuries on the Road
- Always wear correct safety gear on your motorcycle. This should include a jacket to protect your arms, long pants to protect your legs, and boots to protect your ankles and feet.
- If your car begins smoking after an accident, get as far away as possible.
What If There Is a Fire or Burn Injury?
Unfortunately, fires and burn injuries happen. If you or your child suffers a burn injury, do the following:
- Stop, drop, and roll if clothing is on fire.
- If someone gets a burn injury, use cool (not cold) running water to stop the burning.
- If clothing or jewelry is stuck to the skin, do not remove it.
- Cover the burn with a clean dry sheet or loose bandages and see a doctor right away.
Learn more about burns, treatment, and injury liability by reading the following pages:
