Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Highlights Burn Awareness Week: Scalding Spotlighted

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Joining with the American Burn Association, and the U.S. Fire Administration, the Fire and Rescue Department is spotlighting National Burn Awareness Week, February 5-11, 2012, encouraging parents and caregivers to take action in keeping their loved ones safe from fire and burn hazards. The theme for this year is: Scalds.

Scald injuries are painful and require prolonged treatment. They may result in lifelong scarring and even death. Prevention of scalds is always preferable to treatment and can be prevented through simple changes in behavior and the home environment.

Young children and older adults are most vulnerable. Annually, over 500,000 people receive medical treatment for burn injuries. Approximately half of these injuries are scalds. Most burns occur in the home, usually in the kitchen or bathroom.

Scalds can be prevented through increased awareness of scald hazards and by making common sense changes in your home life. These include providing a "kid-safe" zone while preparing and serving hot foods and beverages, and lowering the water heater thermostat to deliver water at no more than 120 degrees. Install anti-scald devices; these heat sensitive instruments stop or interrupt the flow of water when the temperature reaches a pre-determined level preventing water that is too hot coming out of the tap.

Additionally, parents should cook on back burners when young children are present. Keep all pot handles away from the stove edge. Use non-slip placemats instead of tablecloths if toddlers are present. Never drink or carry hot liquids while carrying or holding a child.

For more information on burn safety, please go to www.usfa.fema.gov and www.burnprevention.org.



Author:Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Dept. Press Release