Burn Awareness week: Tips to prevent injuries

Burn Awareness week: Tips to prevent injuries

Approximately 350 children age 19 and under are injured as a result of fire or burn-related causes every day, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

In recognition of Burn Awareness Week, Feb. 1-7, First Alert offers tips for keeping your family safe from devastating burn injuries.

In the kitchen:

• Cook on back burners when young children are present, and keep all pot handles turned back, away from the stove edge.

• During mealtime, place hot items in the center of the table, at least 10 inches from the table edge. Use nonslip place mats instead of tablecloths if toddlers are present.

• Never drink or carry hot liquids while carrying or holding a child.

• Keep fire extinguishers close at hand, and within easy reach of the cooking area.

All Rooms:

• Check smoke detectors regularly, and replace the batteries every six months. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced an alarm, change it. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

• Consider switching to voice alarmswhich use a loud, prerecorded and tamper-proof human voice to alert residents in the case of smoke and also to the specific location of the hazard within the home. Studies show that children age 6 to 10 are awakened more readily by voice.

• Keep all appliance cords — especially for items such as irons — coiled and away from counter edges.

• Establish a “kid zone” out of the high traffic areas near the stove, cords and appliances where children can safely play and still be supervised.