How Can Serious Burn Injuries Be Prevented?
Burn injuries can cause considerable harm. They can be painful and have long-lasting effects. Sometimes, negligence is their root cause. When you’ve experienced a burn injury, you may think about how you can avoid these situations in the future. There are a few precautions you can take to prevent burns from occurring. However, your concern with safety does not mean that everyone has the same concerns. Unfortunately, all it takes is for one person to act negligently for a burn injury to happen. But your knowledge may help you recognize potential dangers and perhaps educate others about these dangers that can lead to burn injuries.
Preventing Burn Injuries
One of the most efficient ways to prevent burns is to look out for potential fire hazards. For instance, you should pay attention to the electrical cords in your house or office. If you see that they are fraying and coming apart, they are a fire hazard. It’s also a smart idea to unplug devices when you’re not using them.
Make sure you have working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in your home. They could be the device that either gets you out of harm’s way or stops a threat immediately. If you do smoke, never do so in bed. There’s a risk of falling asleep with a lit cigarette and your bed could catch fire quickly.
Many burn injuries happen in the kitchen. You should never walk away from the stove if you’re using it. Make sure the pot handles are turned toward the back of the stove so they don’t catch on your clothing. Loose clothes are also a danger for catching on fire.
If you have a child, keep them away from the stove. Don’t hold them or carry them while you’re cooking. When heating up their food, check it before serving to them. Keep any potential fire hazards out of reach from your children. This includes lighters and matches. Child-proofing electrical outlets can prevent your child from touching anything that could burn them.
Scalding water can also cause burns. Before getting in the shower or putting your child in the tub, test the temperature. You can also set your water heater so it cannot get to scalding temperature. If you use appliances for humidifiers or vaporizers, make sure they use cool water.
Chemicals are another main source of burns. If you’re working with chemicals, wear gloves, eyewear, and other protective gear in case some of the chemical comes in contact with your skin. Candles are easy to light and walk away from. Never let a lit candle sit unattended in a room. If you’re going to a different part of the house, blow it out.
In case there ever is a fire in your home, have a safety plan. Educate yourself and others in your household on what to do. Establish a meeting place. You should remember to stay low to the ground because it will be easier to breathe in that area. If a door is closed, you can touch the door and feel for heat, which could indicate where the fire is. If it’s cool, still open the door with caution. On the other hand, you can close doors to temporarily separate yourself from fire. Always remember the stop drop and roll method if your clothes catch on fire.
Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC Can Represent You
When you know more about burn prevention and what to do in emergency situations, you’re more prepared and have a better chance of avoiding a burn injury. However, if someone’s reckless actions caused your burn injuries, it’s important for you to know that it wasn’t your fault and those responsible need to be held accountable for their actions. Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC can help you. All you have to do is get in touch with us and schedule a consultation. We’ll evaluate your claim and go over what happened to you. We’ve handled many cases like yours and have experience in this area of law. We’ll help you figure out how to move forward.
