Everyone reading this has most probably suffered some type of burn. Most of us have been very fortunate to have only suffered a minor, although painful burn. The American Burn Association estimates that 450,000 people were treated for burns in 2011. About 10% of those required hospitalization, many in specialized burn centers.

As we begin Burn Awareness Week (February 5-11, 2012), we need to realize, that in some cases, burns can be avoided. Knowing how to prevent burns in your home can help you and your family stay safe.

Here’s some basic facts about burns:

• A scald is a burn from hot liquid or steam.
• 60% of all scald injuries are to children ages 0-4. (National Center for Health Statistics).
• Children have thinner skin than adults, which can result in a more severe burn.
• The most common places children experience scalds are in the kitchen, dining room, and bathroom.
• The maximum recommended residential water temperature is 120˚F (48˚C).

How can you protect your kids and yourself from burns?

Shriner’s Hospital, which specializes in the care of children who require hospitalization for burns, has put together a wonderful Be Burn Aware tip sheet on how you can keep everyone in your home safe from burns. We urge you to print this out, read it over, put it into action and then put it on your refrigerator. Awareness will lead you to positive changes and actions for not only your family, but for friends and family who stop by and notice this list hanging up in your home.

We’re proud of our work to help burn victims through tissue donation. Let’s take this seriously and make sure our homes are safe for our loved ones.

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