Burns Awareness And Safety

Burn Safety Knowledge – Most Important Prevention Actions

Have working smoke alarms in your home

Have working smoke alarms in your home

Forewarned is fore-armed!

Have an ESCAPE plan

1. Use quick release devices on security-barred windows.
2. Learn at least two escape routes / emergency exits from each room.

ARM yourself with KNOWLEDGE

1. Correct equipment ( Fire extinguishers in the kitchen etc)
2. Burnshield products for burns
3. Call 10177 for help in a fire situation; 112 on a cellphone
4. See below

HOT WATER or LIQUIDS can cause BURNS

1. Adjust the temperature of the geyser to 55°c.
2. When cooking with oil, have a lid nearby that can be quickly placed over any oil if it ignites. (If there is a fire in a pan of oil, place the lid on to smother the fire.) A wet cloth or baking powder can also be used to cover the flames.
3. Never throw water onto burning oil, it can spread the fire and also cause an explosion.
4. Have a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket available in the kitchen.

ELECTRICITY can cause FIRES or BURNS

Do not overload electrical circuits, especially extension cords.

1. Supplying other properties or buildings with electricity by using long extensions, especially if they cross streets can lead to electrocution and fire.
2. Never use electrical appliances with wet hands, in the bathroom or pool, as water conducts electricity.
3. Always unplug heat-producing appliances when not in use, especially irons and heaters
4. A heater must be at least 1m away from anything that may catch fire (e.g. clothing, furniture, curtains etc). DO NOT dry clothes on a heater.

Fireworks can cause fires or burns

GAS can cause FIRES or BURNS

LPG cylinders must be installed and maintained by a certified and qualified technician.

1. If you smell gas immediately turn off all gas supplies, open all doors and windows; do not smoke.
2. Never use a gas or charcoal braai indoors, as this can cause serious respiratory problems.

FIREWORKS can cause FIRES or BURNS

1. Sparklers can reach temperatures of 500 degrees Celsius and are often mistaken as safe. Some fireworks can reach temperatures of 2000 degrees C.
2. Never try to re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
3. NEVER give fireworks to small children.
4. Never throw fireworks at people or animals, or carry fireworks in your pockets.

CIGARETTES can cause FIRES or BURNS

Cigarettes have been the cause of many unnecessary deaths, veld fires and destruction of property. Anyone can fall victim to a smoker’s careless action, and so everyone should know of the dangers associated with smoking.

These include:

1. Falling asleep whilst smoking in bed; Don’t smoke in bed!
2. Discarding cigarettes carelessly into rubbish bins or whilst driving.
3. Smoking whilst intoxicated. INTOXICATION HAS CAUSED ALL MANNER OF BURNS, through carelessness, domestic violence, neglect. Please read this article by Stanley Popovich entitled “Alcohol And Substance Abuse Will Not Take Away Your Fears“.
4. Smoking whilst applying nail polish, hair spray or working with any flammable substance (e.g. petrol).

Use sun-screen and stay in the shade

The SUN can BURN

1. Use sun-screen. Stay in the shade.
2. If you are a burn survivor, it is vital to keep the sun off the skin areas that have been burned, because those areas do not have the same natural protection as normal skin.

CARELESS BEHAVIOUR can cause BURNS

1. Never use a flammable liquid (e.g. petrol, paraffin) to start a braai fire.
2. Always turn paraffin stoves or lamps off when not needed.
3. Keep lighted candles far away from curtains, cloths or anything that can burn, and never leave them unattended.

Basic information From “Fire stops with you”
Public Education Office
Additional information from NBASA