Shriners Children’s reminds parents importance of preventing burn injuries following deadly fires

According to the American Burn Association, more than 300 children are treated in emergency rooms for burns every day.

Shriners Children’s Ohio, a pediatric healthcare system for burn care, reminds families about the importance of preventing burn injuries in children.

“Most preventable burn injuries occur in the home and children are usually the most vulnerable,” said chief of staff Petra Warner in a release.

Shriners Children’s Ohio shared tips for parents to help prevent and protect their children from burns.

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Preparation:

• Make sure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
• If alarm is chirping, immediately replace the battery.
• Smoke alarms do not last forever; replace them every 10 years.
• Have a fire escape plan for your home and practice it regularly.

Space Heaters:

• Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.
• Plug heater directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.
• Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when leaving room.

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Cooking:

• Keep an eye on what you fry.
• Keep pots on back burners and turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so children cannot reach them.
• Wear short sleeves or roll up sleeves when cooking.
• Keep something, such as a lid or cookie sheet, nearby to cover a pan if it catches fire.

Candle Care:

• Consider using battery-operated, flameless candles.
• Never leave lit candles unattended.
• Place candles in stable holders away from children, pets and flammable objects.

If a child is burned parents should seek medical attention and call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. Shriners Children’s Ohio said it provides burn care to all children regardless of family’s ability to pay or insurance status.

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