Types of Burns & Prevention
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Burns are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation or friction. There are several types of burns based on the source of injury. Some are far more common in home environments than others. Understanding these types — and how to prevent them — can help reduce the risk of serious injuries.
Thermal Burns: Caused by contact with heat sources such as flame, hot surfaces, steam or hot liquids.
Electrical Burns: Caused by contact with electrical current such as exposed wires, outlets or faulty appliances.
Chemical Burns: Caused by exposure to acids, alkalis, or other harsh chemicals such as cleaning products, drain cleaner or battery acid.
Radiation Burns: Caused by overexposure to UV radiation (sunburn) or therapeutic radiation such as cancer treatment.
Friction Burns: Caused by rubbing skin against a rough surface such as carpet burn or road rash.
Special Note for Parents: Children under 5 are at the highest risk for scald burns and contact burns at home. Always supervise young children around hot liquids, appliances, and electrical sources.
Being aware of burn risks — and taking small preventive steps — can significantly reduce the likelihood of injury at home.
Prevent Scald Burns
Keep hot food and liquid out of reach of children. Use back burners on the stove and keep pot handles turned away from their reach.
Keep hot drinks off of low tables and away from the edges of countertops. Use a travel mug with a lid around children.
Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Set hot water heater at 120° F or just below the medium setting. Always supervise children while they are bathing.
Prevent Contact Burns
Always have hot pads readily available when cooking. Assume all pots and pans are hot.
Unplug hot tools, such as hair appliances, when not in use and always treat as if they are still hot. Keep out of reach of children.
After cooking, make sure all burners and appliances are turned off.
Glass fireplace doors remain hot for an hour or more after use. Make sure fireplace switches and remote controls are out of reach of children.
Prevent Electrical Burns
Pay attention to the location of overhead power lines when working on a ladder outside.
Don’t overload outlets or power strips with too many cords.
Use covers to keep fingers and other items out of outlets.
Keep electric cords, including phone chargers, away from areas with water such as the kitchen and bathroom.
Prevent Flame Fires
Use gasoline outdoors only. Store in cool, well-ventilated areas out of reach of children.
Install smoke alarms in every sleeping space and every level of the home.
Keep lighters away from children. Child-resistant lighters are not childproof.
Keep space heaters 3 feet away from anything that can burn.