National Burn Awareness Week Reminds Parents to Keep Kids Safe
Most common cause of hospitalizations from burns to children under 5 is scalds from hot liquids
Columbia, MD – As National Burn Awareness Week (February 7th – 12th) kicks off across the nation, Howard County’s Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is reminding parents locally to practice prevention. To help raise awareness, the Department’s SAFE KIDS Howard County coalition is encouraging parents and caretakers to learn about preventative childcare safety measures, including burn prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day, 435 children ages 0 to 19 are treated in emergency rooms for burn-related injuries and two children die as a result of being burned.
“Education and increased public awareness are key to preventing injuries,” said County Executive Ken Ulman. “Our SAFE KIDS Howard County coalition is a great resource that focuses on teaching families about simple precautions that can help keep their children safe.”
SAFE KIDS Howard County recommends the following:
- Be careful with matches and lighters, keep them out of your child’s reach
- Keep children at least three feet from hot appliances, pots, pans and/or food.
- Use spill-resistant mugs when drinking hot liquids around children.
- Avoid using tablecloths or anything a child can pull on resulting in hot food possibly spilling.
- When cooking, use back burners and turn pot handles towards the back of the stove.
- Always tuck appliance cords where children cannot reach them.
- Never hold a child when cooking something hot.
- Stir all food and drinks before serving a child to make sure it is cool enough to eat and/or drink.
- Always supervise children when they use the microwave.
- Set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower
- Always test the bath water with your hand before bathing a child.
“A burn is one of the most painful injuries a child can suffer,” said Fire Chief William Goddard. “Because a child’s skin is thinner than an adult, their skin can burn more deeply and at lower temperatures. A little planning and a few simple precautions can prevent devastating injuries and even save your child’s life.”
SAFE KIDS is made up of over 300 state and local coalitions in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Founded in 1998, SAFE KIDS was launched with the premise that there are no such things as “accidents” and that unintentional injury can be prevented. SAFE KIDS Howard County is a division of Howard County’s Office of the Fire Marshal and a member of National SAFE KIDS Campaign. For more information about SAFE KIDS Howard County, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/FAR/FAR_SafeKidsCoalition.htm.
