National Burn Awareness Week takes place in February to raise awareness for preventing burn injuries. This year’s theme is “Burn Prevention Starts Where You Live” with a focus on home safety
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 398,000 people seek medical treatment for burns each year. There’s an increased risk for children under the age of five. Many of these burn injuries occur at home.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Thermal burns occur because of direct contact with fire, hot surfaces, or hot liquids. Electrical burns result from exposure to faulty wiring, outlets, or high-voltage sources. Chemical burns can be caused by household cleaners, industrial chemicals, and flammable materials.
Many of these injuries can happen at home, so it’s important to keep the following safety tips in mind.
Burn Prevention Tips for the Home
The kitchen is a common place for burn injuries to occur since most cooking requires a heat source. Keep flammable items away from stoves and ovens. Don’t leave your cooking unattended. Keep pot handles turned inward to prevent accidental hot liquid spills.
Hot water heaters can lead to burn injuries. Make sure yours is set at a safe temperature below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Test bathwater to ensure it’s not too hot before putting children in the bathtub.
Regularly test your household smoke alarms and replace the batteries as needed. Keep flammable chemicals safely stored. Don’t use space heaters near fabrics and furniture. Make sure any candles are extinguished before leaving the room.
What to Know About Burn Injuries
Manufacturers are responsible for the safety of products that could cause burns. Faulty space heaters, malfunctioning appliances, and chemical products are among the most common defective products that can cause burn injuries.
If burn injuries occur due to defective products, landlord negligence, or unsafe work environments, talk to a personal injury attorney to learn about your rights.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
