Two-Thirds of Burn and Scald Injuries in the Home Involve Children

"Burn Prevention Starts Where You Live"

Of the 275 severe burns logged in the Massachusetts Burn Incident Reporting System last year, more than two-thirds took place at home -- and over 40% involved children.

Prevent Burn and Scald Injuries in the Home!

On this Burn Awareness Week 2025 (and during every week of the year) take those extra precautions to prevent burn and scald injuries. Never get too comfortable or careless when using hot liquids or when cooking. Always respect hot liquids, hot stoves, home heating appliances, and other hot surfaces.

• Be careful when cooking on the stove
• Keep a pan cover or baking sheet close by when cooking. It the fire flares up, slide the cover or baking sheet over the pan to snuff out the flame
• Always stay alert when handling hot liquids such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soup, etc. Avoid that accidental scald injury
• Keep hot liquids out of reach of the kids and pets at all times
• Maintain that "No-Kid Zone" and "No-Pet Zone" around the stove and oven
• Ensure that our older folks are kept safe when near the stove or using hot liquids
• Keep pot handles on the stove turned inward
• Use pot-holders to move or pick up a hot pan or other hot item. Avoid burned fingers or hands
• Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing or sleeves when working around the stove
• Ensure that the household hot water temperature is set at a safe level to prevent scald injuries in the shower, bath or sink

 

Always keep the kitchen safe! As we know, kids can move very quickly and get into trouble in seconds! Keep those curious pets away from hot liquids, the stove and oven too.

For a burn injury, cool the burn area with cool water. For a serious burn, call 911 right away. Firefighter Medics & EMTs will quickly respond.

As always, for any emergency, call 911 from a safe area to get help on the way. Or as a reliable alternative, pull the nearest city street fire alarm box.

For more information about burn and scald prevention, go to the MA Department of Fire Services site.

Go to National Fire Protection Association or American Burn Association for additional information.