Burn and Burn Prevention Tips for Parents

What to Teach Children

• Always stay away from flames and other heat sources.
• Never play with matches and lighters. (Matches and lighters should always be kept up high, out of reach of children.)
• Stop-drop-and roll, parents should practice this technique with children.
• Call 911 in case of an emergency.

When Preparing Meals

• Never allow children to stand on a chair and help you cook. They could fall on the hot stove.
• Never pass hot food or drinks over children. You may accidentally spill something or a child may reach up and knock it from your hands.
• Never leave hot drinks unattended. A small child may try to copy you and drink from the cup.
• Always turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
• Always keep a box of baking soda handy when cooking with grease. Baking soda safely puts out grease fires. Never use water – water will only spread the flames.
• Always test the temperature of food before serving.
• Always test the temperature of food cooked in a microwave as it heats unevenly.
• If something on the stove catches fire, don’t pick up the pan and move it. Do put the lid on the pot to smother the flames.

When Bathing Young Children

• Never allow children to run their own bath or shower water.
• Never leave a young child alone in the tub. A child could turn on the hot water and seriously burn themselves.
• Always test water temperature with your hand or a bath thermometer before letting a child get in a tub. If the water feels too hot, add cold water, mix well and retest water temperature.

Sleepwear Guidelines

• Flame resistant or 100% polyester garments are the safest sleepwear option. They decrease the fire risk.
• Tight-fitting (skin tight) garments that are not flame resistant also reduce the fire risk, but are not the preferred option.
• Never allow your child to sleep in large, roomy T-shirts or other loose-fitting clothing. Loose-fitting clothes are dangerous for children to wear as they are extremely flammable.

If Your Child’s Clothes Catch on Fire

• Stop – drop – and roll.
• Remove clothing from the burned area. If the material sticks to the skin, cool it, and leave it alone.
• Call 911 or other emergency number.
• Seek medical attention.

If Your Child is Burned

• Cool the burned area with cool (not cold) water. Never put ice or cold water on a burn. That can make the burn worse.
• Do no apply butter or grease. This traps heat on the skin and can cause infection.
• Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth.
• Keep the child warm and calm.
• Call 911 or other emergency number.
• Seek medical attention.

If a Fire Breaks Out

• Stay calm. You are in charge and need to think clearly in order to help the children.
• Get the children out of the house immediately. Don’t try and fight the fire.
• Close the door as you leave.
• Take the children to a neighbor’s house and then call the fire department.