Parents cautioned: It doesn't take a fire to burn a child

GAINESVILLE - During National Burn Awareness Week (February 2-8), Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County, led by Northeast Georgia Medical Center, reminds parents and caregivers that fire is just one cause of burn injuries. Scalding is a big factor.<br /> <br /> According to Safe Kids Worldwide, hot tap water burns, which most often occur in the bathroom, tend to be more severe and cover a larger portion of the body than other scald burns. <br /> <br /> Each year, approximately 136,000 children ages 14 and under are treated for fire and burn related injuries and 365 children die due to those injuries. Scald burns, caused by hot liquids or steam, are more common types of burn-related injuries among young children, compared to contact burns, caused by direct contact with fire, which is more prevalent among older children. <br /> <br /> Hot tap water can cause very severe burns and accounts for many deaths and hospitalizations. <br /> <br /> "Kids are also at risk around hot foods and beverages, space heaters, steam irons and curling irons," says Kimberly Martin, Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County Coalition Coordinator. "There's a lot you can do around the home to minimize the risk of burn injuries in everyday life."<br /> <br /> "Continuous supervision of young children is the most important factor in preventing tap-water scald burns, but there are additional simple preventive measures that can be taken," says Mohak Dave', MD, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Emergency Department Medical Director.<br /> <br />

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/1/270231