Ramsey Resident - 2012 - September/October

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Don’t get Burned by Lack of Knowledge Protect Yourself and Your Family from the Pain of Burns and Scalds Burns are among the most painful and dev-If burns occur: astating injuries a person can survive. In a matter Stop the burning process. of seconds, burns can cause lifelong physical and Remove fabric, jewelry and metal emotional injury, especially in children. Children from the burn area; they retain heat. Run cool—not have thinner skin than older adults; their skin burns cold—water over the burn area for a few minutes. at lower temperatures and the wounds go deeper. Do not apply ice to the burn. Ice can make the burn Nationally, 600 children die and another worse. Do not apply creams, ointments or salves. Do 100,000 children are treated for burn-related not break blisters until a physician sees them. Cover injuries every year. In Minnesota, emergency room with a clean, dry cloth. First degree (redness) and visits for burn related injuries average more than second degree (closed blister) burns smaller than the 5,000 per year. person’s palm can usually be treated at home. For Most of us feel safest at home, but in fact, your larger burns, chemical or electrical burns, or a burn kitchen and bathroom can be deadly. It’s up to you that involves face, airway, hands or feet, call 911. to make your home safe for yourself and others. Keeping a home safe is a group responsibility. ăFTFQSFDBVUJPOTGSPNUIF3BNTFZ'JSF%FQBSUPlease discuss these tips with your family members or ment can save you a lifetime of pain.roommates. Knowledge is the best safety tool. If you have questions, please feel free to call Matt Kohner at Kitchen Precautions 763-427-4452 or e-mail mkohner@ci.ramsey.mn.us. • Stay in the kitchen while cooking. • ,FFQĔBNNBCMFJUFNT JODMVEJOHQPUIPMEFST and towels, away from the cooking area. • 8FBSTOVHđUUJOHPSTIPSUTMFFWFTXIFODPPL ing, or use elastic bands to hold sleeves back • Use back burners when possible and keep pot handles turned to the inside so that a curious child can’t pull a pan over the edge. • Electrical cords should be kept away from coun- ter edges; a child could grab the cord and pull BOBQQMJBODFPĈUIFDPVOUFSUPQ • Use spill-resistant mugs for hot beverages. • Remove tablecloths and place mats when tod- dlers are present; children can pull on them and spill hot or breakable items. Other Precautions • Test bath water before putting your child into the bathtub. Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below and always provide supervision. • Smoke alarms should be installed on every level and in every sleeping area of your home. Test them once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Plan and practice an escape plan with two ways out of each room. September/October 2012 • Ramsey Resident 11