Winter is a time for staying warm and cosy, but it is also sadly a time we see an increase in burn-related accidents. While often minor in nature, burns can develop into something more serious with time. Here are some ideas on how to prevent burns at home.
Fire safety at home
Space & gas heaters - Be careful when using space heaters (or bar heaters as you may know them) and gas heaters. These heaters can be a great way to stay warm, but they can also be dangerous. Make sure to keep this type of heater at least one metre away from anything that can burn, such as furniture, bedding, and curtains. Never leave a space or gas heater unattended. If you experience loadshedding with an electric space heater then immediately turn it off, so that it doesn't come back on without you remembering. This will not only save you money but also reduce your risk of accidents. For safety we suggest investing in an oil heater or something that does not have an exposed element or flame.
Cooking - Being careful when cooking applies year round, as we know the kitchen is a common place for burns to happen. Always keep pot handles turned away from the edge of the stove, and never leave cooking food unattended on the stovetop, especially if you are frying or using oil. If you have young children, keep them away from the cooking area when you are using the stove or other hot devices.
Candles - Candles can add a nice atmosphere to a room and sometimes are used as a necessity for light during loadshedding, but they can also be dangerous. Remember candles are basically a naked flame over some wax, which makes them dangerous if used close to anything that may catch fire, such as curtains and furniture. Never leave a burning candle unattended, they can easily be knocked over by children playing, pets or even a gust of wind.
Fireplaces - If you are using an open fireplace in the home please be extra careful as embers can be spat out of the fire onto floor. Fireplaces are a great way to keep the house warm, but please take care when opening closed combustion fireplaces as the handle and surrounds can become extremely hot and will burn you quickly and deeply if touched. Make sure to keep a fire screen in front of the fireplace to prevent sparks from flying out and always keep children away from the general area, especially if they are playing. Never leave an open fire unattended.
Hot water - Hot water can cause serious burns. Make sure to test the water temperature with your elbow before getting in the shower or bath. If you are bathing your children remember you can probably tolerate a higher temperature than they can as their skin is more susceptible to burns so rather err on the side of caution when testing for temperature. If you have young children in the house you might also want to turn the thermostat down on the geyser to prevent accidental scalding from hot water.
By following these tips, you can help prevent burns and keep your family safe this winter.
Here are some additional tips to prevent burns:
- Wear long sleeves and pants when cooking or working around hot surfaces.
- Use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot dishes or utensils.
- Keep children away from hot stoves, ovens, and fireplaces.
- Teach children about the dangers of fire and that they should not play near a fireplace, braai, heater or even a candle.
- Have a working, serviced fire extinguisher in your home and make sure the adults & teenagers in the home know how to use it.
- Make sure your home is well-ventilated when using space heaters, gas heaters or fireplaces.
- Have a plan for what to do in case of a fire and teach your family what to do if there should be a fire.
- Have the fire department emergency number saved in your phone and teach it to your children.
Additional safety measures
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter. This will help to prevent accidents from happening.
- Make sure that all electrical cords are properly plugged in and the cords are not frayed. Damaged cords can cause shorts and fires.
- Do not overload electrical outlets. This can also result in fires.
- Take extra care when using flammable liquids. Always keep them away from heat and open flames. Store flammable liquids in a cool, dry place and safely out of the reach of children.
- Do not smoke in bed. This is one of the leading causes of house fires. Have your chimney and fireplace cleaned and inspected by a professional every year. This will help to prevent chimney fires.
Workplace Burns
Be aware of the potential hazards in your workplace. Always make sure you wear protective clothing, such as gloves and long sleeves, when working with hot materials or equipment. Follow all safety procedures when working with chemicals and other hazardous materials. Be careful when using electrical equipment. Make sure your work colleagues are aware of the dangers of fire and how to stay safe. Make sure an adequate number of fire extinguishers are easily accessible in your workplace, are regularly serviced and that you and your colleagues know how to use them. Fire extinguishers should be of the correct type for the environment you work in and the type of fire you might encounter. Ensure your workplace is well-ventilated and emergency exits and other fire related signage is correctly displayed.
What to do if you get burnt
Try to cool the burn immediately using cool (not ice cold) running water for 3 minutes. This will help to remove heat from the area and limit the heat damage to skin.
Call the Emergency Services if the burnt area is black or grey-looking or in the following areas: the face, the genitals, all the way around a wrist, arm, leg, or ankle, covering most of a foot or hand, or when the size of the burnt area anywhere on the body is bigger than the size of the chest. Never under any circumstances apply butter or oil-based products to any burn. Butter or lard may feel cool because it comes out of the refrigerator, but the oils will trap heat and make the burn deeper over time.
Most burns can be treated with Trifectiv® Plus Wound & Burn Care spray. Quick application of the spray to the affected area will help to reduce pain and cool the area. Spray the burn constantly with Trifectiv Plus once you have cooled down the area with cool running water. The anti-inflammatory action of Trifectiv Plus will help to sooth the pain. Once the pain has subsided, cover the area with a single layer of non-medicated paraffin gauze and apply 3-5 layers of non-sterile woven cotton gauze swabs wet with Trifectiv® Plus over the burnt area. Retain the swabs in place with a crepe bandage. You should follow these steps immediately even if it is your intention to seek medical help as this will ensure you trigger the healing process very quickly. Repeat this dressing daily.