Burn-related injuries can happen in a matter of seconds, making it crucial to understand how to properly prevent and treat common household burns. See our top household prevention and treatment tips below in order to best prepare you and your family for a burn-related incident.

Household prevention tips:

• Turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge
• Have a “kid-free” zone of at least 3 feet around the stove
• Put covers on all electrical outlets within a child’s reach
• Throw away electrical cords that are frayed or damaged
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from curtains, rugs, bedding, and clothing
• Store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet
• Never leave candles unattended
• Set the temperature on your water heater to no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit or use the “low-medium” setting
• Test the water temperature before you or your children get in the bath or shower
• Use cool-water humidifiers instead of hot-steam vaporizers

General first aid for burns and scalds:

• Treat a burn right away by putting it in cool water. Cool the burn for 3-5 minutes.
• Cover burn with a clean, dry cloth. Do NOT apply creams, ointments, sprays or other home remedies.
• Remove all clothing, diapers, jewelry and metal from the burned area. These can hide underlying burns and retain heat, which can increase skin damage.

For more information on burn prevention and treatment, visit https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/burn_prevention.html.