There Are Dozens of Ways to Get Burned; July 4 Holiday Adds a Few to the List

The Fourth of July conjures up images of barbecues, picnics and fireworks; but while the summer holiday is lots of fun, it also can be hazardous. Following are some tips for preventing accidents, from the UC San Diego Regional Burn Center.

* Sunburn

The university will treat numerous children and adults with severe sunburns during the summer season. A person falling asleep at the beach, even if the weather is not extremely hot, doesn’t realize that severe sunburn can occur even on gloomy days because of the intensity of the ultraviolet rays. Additionally, sun reflected off the water is even more intense and can lead to more serious burns.

Avoid falling asleep at the beach and always apply sunscreen of 25 SPF or higher to prevent sunburn.

* 25 burn safety tips:

1. Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid.

2. Prepare and practice exit drills. Learn “two ways out.”

3. Check electrical plugs and cords for dirt or fraying.

4. Turn down your water heater to 120 degrees.

5. Check smoke detectors every month and change the batteries twice a year.

6. Store flammable liquids safely.

7. Use sun block whenever you are in the sun.

8. Use caution with hot automobile radiators.

9. Supervise children near fireworks. Don’t allow fireworks in the home; go to a professional display instead.

10. Watch for hot tar and coals on the beach, and discard your own coals in a designated receptacle.

11. Never leave a fire unattended.

12. Never play games near a fire pit or campfire.

13. Never use sand to extinguish a campfire. Sand insulates heat.

14. Douse all campfires with water.

15. Keep clothing irons and curling irons out of the reach of children.

16. Keep children out of the kitchen when cooking.

17. Keep hot liquids away from table and counter edges and turn pot handles in on the stove.

18. Use caution when removing the wrapping or lids from microwaved or steamed food; steam can cause serious burns.

19. Don’t pour hot liquids around children.

20. Don’t serve hot food or liquids from a pan with children sitting at the table.

21. Do keep coffeepots, Crockpots and deep fryers pushed to the back of the counter.

22. Don’t put ice on small burns. Use cool water, and in the event of a serious burn, immerse the affected area in a bath of cool water.

23. Always discard smoking materials in a deep or wet receptacle.

24. Keep matches out of reach of children.

25. Never leave children alone, not even for “a quick trip to the neighbors’.”