Burn Prevention

• Keep matches, lighters and other smoking materials away from children.
  
• Never smoke in bed or when you’re feeling tired.
  
• Don’t leave candles or other open flames unattended around children.
  
• When cooking, keep dangerous items out of the reach of small children.
  • Turn pot handles in toward the stove, away from curious hands.
  • Keep appliances away from the edge of the counter (like coffee pots or other hot objects).
    
• When cooking on the stove:
  • If oil in a pan catches fire: Use a lid from the pan to smother the fire.
  • DON’T carry the burning pot outside or to the sink: If it spills, or flames up, you can get a serious burn.
    
• Test the bath water:
  • Before you get in.
  • Before you help your child into the tub.
  • Before you help someone with less sensitivity to heat or cold into the tub (like someone who is paralyzed).
    Don’t set the water heater temperature above 120 degrees (Fahrenheit).
    
• Be careful around summer bonfires.
  • Watch those around you and help keep everyone safe.
  • Keep gasoline or other flammable items away from the fire.
  • Keep small children far enough away from the fire.
  • Even the next day after the fire has gone out, coals can still be hot enough to cause a burn.
    
• Don’t use gasoline to start your grill.
  
• Alcohol or drugs mixed with smoking, cooking late at night, fire or gasoline is always a dangerous combination.
  

To learn more about the Columbia St. Mary’s Regional Burn Center, order a copy of our FREE DVD by clicking here. To schedule a community education talk, learn more about our support groups, or to speak to a member of our staff regarding a patient referral or other matter please call (414) 291-1680.