National Burn Awareness Week 6 – 12, 2022

The Ottumwa Fire Department is reminding residents that February 6-12 is National Burn Awareness Week. The emphasis this year is preventing burns in the kitchen.

47% of all home fires are caused by cooking. To reduce the possibility of a kitchen fire or burns to family members:

• When cooking, always turn pot handles away from the front of the stove so that the handle is out of reach of a young child or the handle does not inadvertently get bumped.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking, barbecuing or attending to a fire pit or fireplace and never leave children unattended around these devices.
• Do not leave cooking appliance cords within children’s reach. (electric skillet, crock pot, coffee maker, etc.)

Be Fire Safe in the Kitchen - Scald Prevention Safety Tips

A child’s high energy and natural curiosity places them at a higher risk of sustaining burns and scalds. Eliminating sources of scalds and burns within the home is the most important preventative measure a parent can take to avoid injuries to their children. Parents are advised to teach children about safety with hot objects and liquids. The majority of burns and scalds can be prevented with proper precautions and education.

Placing lighters, cigarettes, appliances and heaters out of reach of children is crucial. Food and liquids that young children eat should always be tested for temperature prior to consumption.

Additional ways to protect children from scald or burn injuries are to practice these preventative measures:

• Place hot food and beverages in the center of the table, and avoid using tablecloths that could easily be pulled off.
• Food and liquids that young children eat should always be tested for temperature prior to consumption.
• When bathing a child, always turn on the cold water before the hot. Check the temperature before putting your child in the bathtub. Always position them so that their backs are facing away from the faucet and never leave them unattended.  Consider adjusting your hot water heater to a maximum temperature of 120 oF (49 oC) to avoid scalds.
• Store lighters and matches out of sight and reach of children.
• In the warmer months, protect skin from the sun and always use a sunscreen with a high SPF rating.