How to keep children safe from burn injuries during the summer months
Most burn injuries are preventable.
Many burns occur during summer. Campfires and fireworks are common activities during summer. They can be fun, but they can also be unsafe. Every year, campfires and fireworks cause very serious burns. Children are often injured.
Here are tips on how to prevent burns when using campfires or fireworks.
Campfires
Keep children at a safe distance from campfires. Draw a "safety circle" around the fire that they must not cross. This circle should be at least 4 feet from the edge of the fire.
Do not let children play around the campfire. Most burns happen when children fall or walk into the campfire by accident.
Put campfires out with water instead of sand. Covering a fire lets it retain its heat. Children can be burned from the hot ashes and coals of last night's fire. An adult should be able to put his or her hand directly over the ashes without feeling heat to know the fire is out.
Fireworks
Leave fireworks to the professionals. This is the safest way to enjoy fireworks and avoid burns. Sit back and watch instead.
Children under 5 years old should not be allowed to use sparklers. Preschool-aged children do not have the coordination to handle fireworks safely. Do not leave children alone with sparklers.
Do not let children set off fireworks. Only adults should light fireworks. Children and any other viewers should be at least 20 metres (about 50 feet) away when fireworks are lit.
Burn first aid
Cool the burn
Hold the burned or scalded area under cold water for at least 10 minutes. |
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Cover the burn
Use a clean dry cloth to lightly cover the burn. |
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Call 911
Call for help if the burn is large or on the face, hands, feet or groin. |
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Don’t use ice
Putting ice on a burn can cause frostbite and further damage the skin. |
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Don’t apply ointments
No butter, toothpaste, lotions, ointments, or other creams. Applying ointments could prevent proper healing. |
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Don’t break blisters
Broken blisters are more likely to get infected. |
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