Burn safety tips
Burns can happen to anyone, and in almost all cases, a burn is completely avoidable. The UW Burn and Plastic Surgery Clinics at Harborview work to help the public avoid suffering burns through community outreach programs in burn education and prevention.
To have a representative come to your school or business, please contact our burn center outreach coordinator at 206.744.3139.
Outdoor tips
- During hot weather, check metal parts of seat belts, especially in infant car seats. If they feel hot, they are too hot for the baby.
- Use only charcoal lighter fluid to start barbecue. Never add more charcoal lighter fluid or other flammable products to the fire. The container may explode.
- Most tents will burn, so keep all sources of heat or flames a safe distance away. Use only battery or electrically operated lights in or near tents.
- Keep children at a safe distance when cooking on campfires or grills.
- Keep a fire extinguisher available at all times.
- Store gasoline outside the home in approved safety cans away from open flames.
- Wait for the lawnmower engine to cool before refueling. Never refuel while the engine is hot or running.
- Allow the car radiator to cool before removing the cap and protect your hands, arms and face.
Home tips
- Make sure electric wiring is adequate and be careful not to overload circuits.
- Have chimneys and flues inspected annually by a professional and clean as recommend by the inspectors.
- Empty an ashtray only when contents are cold.
- Place fireplace ashes in a metal container.
- Burning or smoldering cigarettes are a major cause of home fires. Do not smoke in bed, or when you are sleepy or have been drinking.
- Keep matches and lighters away from children.
- Water heaters should be set at 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and test once a month; and replace batteries twice a year.
- Make an escape plan for each level of your home.
- Use gasoline or other flammable liquids outdoors only. Store flammables in safe, approved containers.
- Never leave a young child alone in the bathroom or kitchen.
Preventing kitchen burns
- Hot food and liquids spilled in the kitchen are the most frequent source of burns to children.
- Never hold a child while you are drinking a hot liquid.
- Keep pot handles turned to the middle of the stove, out of reach.
- Do not carry containers of hot liquid when children are underfoot.
- Place young children in a playpen, infant seat or with another adult away from the kitchen when cooking.
- Be cautious when using deep-fat fryers. Hot oils may reach temperatures greater than 490 degrees Fahrenheit during cooking.
- Puncture plastic pouches and plastic wrap covers before heating in a microwave oven to reduce risk of steam build up. Check the temperature of food or drink before giving it to children.
- Keep stove burners, the broiler and oven grease-free. Grease build up could catch fire.
- If there is a grease fire in a pan, turn off the heat and put a lid on the pan. Do not try to move the pan.
Holiday and special events tips
- Use only nontip candle holders. Keep candles away from combustible items, such as curtains and decorations. Keep candles out of children’s reach. Never leave candles burning unattended.
- Use a flashlight in Halloween pumpkins instead of a candle.
- Halloween costumes should be fire resistant and close fitting.
- Holiday lights (indoor and outdoor) should have a testing label of approval. Replace light sets that have defective cords.
- Help children engage in safe activities on the Fourth of July. Sparklers can reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit at the tip.
- Teach children about the dangers of fireworks and other explosives, and discourage children from using them.
Safety tips for toddlers
- Never leave a toddler alone in the kitchen or bathroom.
- Keep household chemicals out of children’s reach.
- Put hot foods as far back as possible on the stove, table or counter.
- Turn pot handles toward the middle or back of the stove.
- Avoid being rushed or distracted – plan ahead.
- Avoid passing hot items over a child.
- Test the temperature of bath water with your elbow or a thermometer.
- Avoid allowing a small child to run his or her own bath water.
- Keep electrical cords out of children’s reach.
- Cover electrical sockets.
Safety tips for 3- to 8- year-olds
- Do not leave a child alone. Use only responsible babysitters.
- Avoid storing goodies over the stove.
- Keep matches and lighters out of the child’s reach.
- Teach older children the proper way to light and extinguish matches.
- Avoid allowing children to play in the kitchen during meal preparation.
- Avoid letting children help burn trash or leaves.
- Avoid letting children help cook on the stove.
Safety tips for 9 - to 12-year-olds
- Teach your child proper respect for fire.
- Teach your child the correct method of starting and extinguishing fires.
- Stress the dangers of flammable products.
- Explain that because high electrical wires are not insulated, extreme care should be taken when flying kites.
- Be aware of how family stress and family problems affect children.
- Teach children to "Stop, Drop and Roll" to extinguish a clothing fire.
Safety tips for 13 - to 19 - year-olds
- Read and follow directions before starting a new task.
- Be aware of safe exposure time for sun and sun lamps.
- Be aware of the dangers associated with cars (flammable gasoline, radiator steam, battery acid, mufflers, etc.).
- Teach children not to tamper with power lines or transmitters.
- Respond to circumstances, not peers, in life and death situations.
- Be conscious of fire hazards when cooking.
- Be aware of the safe way to use and store flammable products.
Safety tips for Adults
- Wear snug-fitting, short-sleeved clothing while cooking.
- Smoke only when alert, never while drowsy or tired.
- Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in appropriate locations.
- Follow safety precautions when dealing with flammable substances, electricity or chemicals.
- Store gasoline only in an approved container, away from the house and out of the reach of children.
- Be careful around heat sources, especially when hurried, angry or stressed.
- Read directions before starting a task.
- Follow safety protocol on the job.