Does your child know the dangers of hot liquids?
Cochrane Fire Services is spotlighting National Burn Awareness Week for all of February to ramp up the community’s awareness and knowledge of burn prevention.
Jeff Avery, with Cochrane Fire Services, said for the last century a huge focus was placed on fire safety awareness but burn prevention has only started to receive attention as of 2004.
He added that a few simple tips can save children from serious injury.
“Little things like don’t carry your young child if you have a cup of coffee in your hand, or turn the handles to the inside of the stove instead of the outside so nobody can reach up and grab it. When a kid is washing his hands, teach him how to turn the hot and cold on,” Avery explained. “Even fireplaces in your house with that hot glass and kids running around potentially touching that glass.”
Parents should also remember their children might not always know what’s dangerous unless they’re told.
“Be aware of what you’re cooking, what’s hot and teach kids that that stuff burns and it’s dangerous,” Avery said.
While a medical professional should examine all burns, Avery cautions parents away from at-home remedies.
“I know back in the day it was a big myth of putting butter on the burn or ice. All that stuff is a big no-no,” Avery said. “Don’t put anything on the burn except run it under nice cool water for 10 to 15 minutes to keep flushing it out. And then dry it off and wrap with a sterile bandage or cloth and then go get it checked out.”
Since the issue boils down largely to children’s awareness, Avery said he would be paying visits to preschools and kindergarten classes for safety talks.
“A lot of this is some education for kids,” Avery said, adding that all community members are welcome to call the fire stations non-emergency line for general questions.
Cochrane Fire Services will be focusing on burn prevention for the remainder of February and can be reached for inquiries at (403) 851-2540.
