Burn Prevention

Kid Touching StoveBurns are recognized among the most painful and devastating injuries an individual can sustain and survive. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2001, an estimated 99,400 children ages 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for burn-related injuries. 

Statistics

View the latest data available from the National Safe Kids Campaign and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize the following statistics:

  • Accidental, or unintentional, injury is the leading cause of death among children ages 14 and younger. 
  • The leading causes of accidental injury at home are burns, drowning, suffocation, choking, poisonings, falls, and firearms. 
  • Burns and fires are the tenth most common cause of accidental death in children and adults, and account for nearly 3,400 adult and child deaths per year. 
  • Nearly 75% of all scalding burns in children are preventable. Toddlers and children are more often burned by a scalding or flames.

Precautions

Baby in BathtubTaking the following precautions can help prevent burn injuries: It can happen in a flash!

  • Keep children and pets away from stoves and grills when cooking.
  • Establish a 3-foot "Kid Danger Zone" around your stove and grill.
  • When cooking, make sure pot handles are turned away from the front of the stove. Adults can bump pot handles causing spillage of hot contents.
  • Toddlers and children can grab pot handles and spill contents onto themselves.
  • Never wear loose-fitting clothing while cooking. Shirtsleeves and other loose-fitting clothing can easily catch on fire from stove burners.
  • Use caution when removing foods from the microwave. Let food sit for a few minutes before handling. Carefully remove container lids or plastic wrap to avoid steam burns.
  • Gate Around FireplaceTest bath water with a bath thermometer or your hand before getting in - especially for children.
  • Keep your water heater at 120 degrees to prevent hot water-related burns.
  • Teach children to let the faucet run for a few seconds before touching the water; it may still be very hot from previous use.
  • Keep hot liquids and food away from the edge of counters where they can easily be pulled off by children.
  • Make sure coffee pots and coffee machines are not accessible to children.
  • Be mindful that cups containing hot liquids such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate are placed out of reach of children.
  • Use glass or wire guards in front of fireplace hearths.
  • Stop Drop and RollMake sure all members of your family know how to Stop, Drop, and Roll if their clothes catch on fire. Practice this procedure with children.

Home Safety Evaluation

In an effort to keep our residents safe from fire and promote community safety, North Shore Fire/Rescue will conduct a free courtesy home safety evaluation. This service is offered to residents of:

  • Bayside
  • Brown Deer
  • Fox Point
  • Glendale
  • River Hills
  • Shorewood
  • Whitefish Bay

Sign up for an evaluation!

Questions

Please email our Assistant Chief with any questions or to arrange a Burn Prevention Program presentation for any age group.