 Message from the Fire Chief: National Burn Awareness Week
“Hot Liquids Burn Like Fire!” is this year's theme for Burn Awareness Week, recognized from February 5 - 11. Every 60 seconds, someone in the U.S. sustains a burn injury serious enough to require treatment. Liquid scald burns are the second leading cause of all burn injuries. Though children, older adults, and people with disabilities are especially at risk, scald injuries can happen at any age. Hot liquids from beverages, bath water, stovetops, etc., can cause injuries just as devastating as burns from fires. Today, 96.8% of those who suffer burn injuries will survive, but many survivors' lives are permanently changed as a result of burns.
The Winnetka Fire Department reminds you of these scald safety tips:
- Teach children that hot things can burn.
- Always supervise children in or near a bathtub and create a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
- Test the water before putting a child in the bath or getting in the bath yourself.
- Place hot food and drink in the center of the table or toward the back of a counter.
- Open microwaved food slowly and away from the face. Allow it to cool before consuming.
- Use a tight-fitting lid with travel mugs.
- Carefully transfer soup or other hot liquids into a traditional bowl after heating.
- Never hold a child while preparing, transporting, or consuming hot liquids.
Remember, if a burn does occur, treat it immediately. Cool the burn by holding it under cool running water for 3-5 minutes, or apply a cool, wet compress until the pain eases. Cover with a clean, dry sterile gauze bandage and seek medical assistance if needed.
Always call 911 in an emergency.
|
Upcoming Events
Winnetka Futures Plan Public Hearing: February 15 at 7 PM
Styrofoam Recycling: Mondays from 1 - 3 PM
Stormwater Management Construction Update
