Burn injuries are not a thing of the past

Pediatrics for Parents, Dec, 2004 by Kara Frank

When it comes to pediatric burns, many parents have a false sense of security. The nature of our modern lifestyles, combined with effective awareness campaigns, tend to give parents the illusion that burn injuries have become a thing of the past.

Unfortunately, this simply isn't true. According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), burn injuries remain the leading cause of accidental death in the home for children 14 and under. Toddlers and young children are burned more often by scalding or flames, whereas older children are at a higher risk of chemical and electrical burns. Yet 65% of all burns in children result from scalds.

According to the CDC, during the last 30 years, burn injuries for children and adults living in the United States have decreased by 50%. This decline is largely a result of public awareness, federal regulations concerning the flame-retardation of materials, and the increased use of smoke detectors.

Despite these measures, burn injuries are the second leading cause of accidental death in the United States after car accidents for both children and adults.

The Dangers of Winter Comforts

There is a cyclical increase in pediatric scalding by hot liquids that demonstrates a seasonal correlation. Both adults and children consume more hot liquids during cooler weather, which increases the incidence of children being accidentally scalded.

Prevent Burns in Your Home

According to the CDC and the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, 75% of all pediatric burns are preventable.

Though vigilance is required year-round to prevent burn injuries, wintertime brings many increased risk factors. Practice these burn preventative measures in your home to decrease your family's risk:

* Never hold a child while drinking a hot liquid.

* Always test soups, hot chocolate, tea and other hot liquids before serving them to your children.

* Always remember to thoroughly stir all foods warmed in a microwave. They can heat unevenly, and may contain pockets of extreme heat.

* Sauces and gravies can cause internal scalds. Many cases of children being burned with spaghetti and cheese sauces are reported annually.

* If you have a toddler or small child at home, avoid using a tablecloth. The child may pull on the corner of the tablecloth causing potentially hot objects to fall on them.

* When traveling, know hotel and motel exits in case of fire.

* Before using a chimney or fireplace during the winter months, have them cleaned.

* Do not overload electrical outlets.

* Check alternative heating devices for safe operation (electric space heaters or kerosene heaters).

Follow these tips for Christmas tree safety:

* Check tree lights and decorations for potential problems.

* Keep trees well-watered at all times.

* Unplug all lights when leaving home for any length of time.

* Do not block an exit with holiday decorations.

Burn prevention should be a year-round, on-going effort in your home. Begin practicing these tips and you can drastically reduce your family's vulnerability to fire and burns throughout the year:

* Periodically check electrical plugs and cords for dirt or fraying.

* Keep appliances unplugged when not in use.

* When working with a hot liquid, hot oil or a deep fryer, keep your child safely away from the source.

* Keep pot handles turned inward on the stovetop, and away from the edge of the stove.

* If you are cooking on the stove or in the microwave, do not hold your child as you remove items from these appliances.

* Teach your child what to do in case of a house fire. Practice your home exit strategy, and teach older children how to put out a fire.

* Teach your child fire exit strategies for multiple scenarios: home, school and public places such as theatres, concert hails, etc. Teach them to always make note of fire exits in public places.

* Turn down your water heater to 120[degrees] F.

* Store harmful chemicals and cleaners in an area that is not accessible to children.

* Teach your child to stay away from lighters and matches. Keep these items also out of your child's reach.

* Always discard smoking materials in a deep or wet receptacle.

* Before placing a child or infant in a bathtub, check the water temperature with your hand.

* During a power outage, use flashlights instead of candles.

Warm weather brings its own increase in accidental burn incidence. Be sure to remember these important tips when temperatures rise in your area:

* Encourage children to wear shoes in the summer, and to avoid walking barefooted on hot asphalt or hot sand.

* Make sure your child uses sun block whenever in the sun.

* Before using barbecues or grills, clean them of grease buildup and use lighter fluid sparingly.

* Supervise children near fireworks.

The single most reliable method to promote fire safety in your home is the use and maintenance of smoke detectors. Above all else, remember to do the following:

* Check smoke detector batteries and clean your smoke detector often.