As we enter Burn Awareness Month, we’re turning the spotlight on burn risks in and around the home, and the various ways you can prevent these tragedies from unfolding.
Burn Risks exist in every type of living space, whether you’re living in a house, flat / apartment, or a temporary shelter, each space carries it’s share of risks, from the kitchen to the bathroom.
By being aware of the unique risks each of these spaces present, and making small changes, you can create a safer environment for all.
Small Living Spaces
In a small living space, it’s easy to accidentally store hot objects near flammable items, like leaving a heater right next a couch.
Flammable objects, should ideally be kept 3 feet away from heat sources, with the room remaining well ventilated.
The Kitchen
The Kitchen can be one of the easiest places to get burned in your home, from baking to cooking, and even preparing a cup of hot tea or coffee.
By maintaining a child free / no play zone in the kitchen, you can cook or bake without any distractions, which will keep both you and the kids safe.
Other things to keep in mind are:
- Turning pot and pan handles inward.
- Using oven mitts when handling hot items and keeping hot liquids away from the edge of the counter.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case a fire does break out otherwise, a bag of sand will be effective as well.
The Bathroom
The bathroom can be one of the most hazardous rooms in the house for a baby or child.
Most hot tap water scalds occur in the bathroom, it is recommended to have your geyser set to the temperature of 50°C, this is because water at a lower temperature takes longer to cause injury.
When running a bath, the cold water should be turned on first, and turned off last to cool the spout.
Electricity and Gas
Electricity powers a huge part of our day to day lives, and it’s easy to take for granted the risks involved if not handled properly. Always follow appliance instructions for improved electrical safety. “Read the instructions” should always top the list of electrical safety tips at home. You should never overload a socket with too many plugs or run electrical cords under a rug or carpet, electrical devices should also always be kept away from water and wet surfaces.
Gas and paraffin are often used as a means to combat some of the inconveniences that come with power cuts, as well as cost saving alternative to electricity, but it is important to remember that energy sources involving open flames can be a hazard if they aren’t managed or monitored correctly. Some precautions you can take when using gas or paraffin are:
- Maintain good ventilation.
- Keep stoves and lamps on a firm, flat surface to prevent them from falling and starting a fire (not on a cardboard box).
- Never try to move a heater while it’s being used.
- Always turn off all stoves, heaters and lamps before going to bed.
By being Burn Aware and keeping these precautions in mind this Burn Awareness Month and beyond, one can significantly reduce the fire and burn risk for themselves and their families.
Add an extra layer of safety by always keeping Burnshield Emergency Burn Care on hand.
