Shriners Children’s Offers Burn Prevention Tips to Keep Your Family Safe This Holiday Season

As the temperatures dip and the days grow shorter, we know the magic of the holiday season is upon us. The holidays are certainly a time of celebration, but they also come with an increased risk for burn injuries.

“There are a few burn injuries seen somewhat more commonly during busy happy holidays that can be minimized with a few preventive measures. Pots on stove tops, dangling kitchen cords, and hanging table cloths can be tugged by curious toddlers causing scalds, said Shriners Children’s Boston Chief of Staff Robert Sheridan, M.D. "Festive candles can ignite clothing causing flame burns. Overloaded outlets and chains of aged extension cords or poorly placed space heaters can result in fire. Attention to prevention will minimize tragic holiday injury.”

As leaders in burn care devoted to the mission of educating the public on burn safety, Shriners Children’s has assembled tips to help families stay burn aware and celebrate the holidays safely.

Cook with Caution

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, holiday cooking is a leading cause of residential fires each December. The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it comes with many inherent risks for burn injury. Keep these tips in mind while preparing your holiday meal this year.

• Keep children 3 feet away from the stove, or consider the kitchen a kid-free zone during holiday meal preparation.
• To prevent burns from hot food or liquid spills, use the back burner of your stove and turn pot handles away from the edge.
• Always pour hot liquids away from your body when transferring from one vessel to another.
• Use the same technique when turning food in a pan, turn food away so any oil splatter moves opposite of your hands and body.
• Wear short sleeves or roll sleeves up when cooking. Keep a lid or cookie sheet nearby to cover a pan if it catches fire.
• Make sure that electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.