Burn Awareness Week Feb. 6-12, 2022 Focuses on Burning Issues in the Kitchen - Burn and Scald Prevention

Burn Awareness Week Feb. 6-12, 2022, focuses on Burning Issues in the Kitchen - Burn and Scald Prevention.

Follow these tips to help prevent burns and scalds in the kitchen:

• Place hot objects so that they cannot be pulled down or knocked over.
• Turn pot handles inward.
• Use pot holders to move or lift hot pans and trays.
• Wear close-fitting clothing and sleeves when working near the stove or oven.
• Keep anything that can burn (curtains, dish towels, paper or cardboard) away from the cooking area.
• Keep hot drinks and liquids away from where they might be accidentally spilled on children.
• Check the water heater temperature so that kids won't be scalded by hot tap water in the kitchen or bathroom.

Scalds are the leading type of serious burn in Massachusetts, and children under 5 are most likely to be injured. Remember: hot liquids burn like fire!

• Children (and pets too) can move very quickly. An accident can happen in a second.
• Keep a "KID-FREE ZONE" and a "PET-FREE ZONE" at least 3 feet from the stove and oven area. 
• Teach the older kids about burn safety and cooking safety.

General First Aid for a Burn or Scald:

• Treat a burn right away by putting it in cool water. Cool the burn for three to five minutes.
• Cover burn with a clean, dry cloth. Do not apply creams, ointments, sprays or other home remedies.
• Remove all clothing, diapers, jewelry and metal from the burned area. These can hide underlying burns and retain heat, which can increase skin damage.

For a bad injury, Call 911 right away.

Link to Burn and Scald Prevention Flier (English PDF)

Link to Burn and Scald Prevention Flier (Spanish PDF)

Burn Awareness Week Fact Sheets
Cooking Safety for All
Cooking Safety for Older Adults

Learn more through these resources:
American Burn Association
US Fire Administration