Burn Prevention

According to the Massachusetts Burn Injury Reporting System (M-BIRS) 2002 Annual Report, scald burns have been the leading cause of burn injuries for the past 18 years. In 2002, scalds caused 148 or 41% of the burn injuries. Nearly half of the 148 scald victims were under five years old, and most were less than one year old.

In attempts to lower these numbers the State Fire Marshal reminds you to practice burn prevention at home by:

• Keep hot liquids out of reach of children.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
• Don't let appliance cords dangle where children can reach.
• Always turn off an iron when it's unattended.
• Turn down water heaters to 125 degrees or lower.
• Always check bathing water before a child enters the bath.

If a burn occurs remember these important steps:

• Call 911 immediately for emergency assistance.
• Cool a burn with cold water until the ambulance arrives.
• Never use grease, butter of ointments on a burn.
• Do not remove clothing from the burn.

The report shows, spilled hot beverages caused the majority of scald burns. Hot tap water, cooking liquids and grease, and car radiators also caused scald burns. Hot beverages posed the greatest risk to young children; parents and caregivers of young children must remember that it is dangerous to drink coffee while holding a baby.