Scalding Burn Awareness Stressed By State Fire Marshal

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(Columbus) – The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal marks National Burn Awareness Week, a time to focus on preventing burn-related injuries. This year, National Burn Awareness Week runs from February 5-11, with an emphasis on scalding and this year’s theme is “Hot Liquids Burn Like Fire!”

“According to the National Fire Protection Association, scald burns are the second leading cause of all burn injuries,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin S. Reardon. “Avoiding distractions in the home and being aware of hot objects before touching them can go a long way in preventing an unnecessary hospital visit.”

Scalding is when a burn occurs through liquid or steam. It can cause third-degree burns almost instantaneously. A third-degree burn destroys the entire depth of the skin and can damage fat, muscle, organs, or bone beneath the skin. Significant scarring is common, and death may occur in the most severe cases. A scald injury can happen at any age, however, children, adults, and those with disabilities are especially at risk.

The State Fire Marshal offers tips to stay safe and avoid common contact scalding injuries by practicing these safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:

• Teach children that hot things can burn. Install anti-scald devices on tub faucets and shower heads.
• Always supervise a child in or near a bathtub.
• Before placing a child in the bath, test the water. It should feel warm, not hot, to the touch.
• Place hot liquids and food in the center of a table or toward the back of the counter.
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.
• Allow microwaved food to cool before eating, and always open microwaved food slowly to prevent steam burns to the extremities and face.
• Never hold a child while you are cooking, drinking a hot liquid, or carrying hot foods or liquids.
• If a burn does occur, treat the burn right away by cooling it with cool water for 3-5 minutes and cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth.

For more information or additional safety tips, visit com.ohio.gov/fire and for more information on Burn Awareness Week, visit the American Burn Association website.