Focus: Education and prevention of burn injuries, especially in the home.
Key Messages:
- Be aware of potential burn hazards in and around your home.
- Be careful when cooking, especially with children in the kitchen.
- Keep children away from potential fire hazards like stoves, ovens, and microwaves.
- Exercise caution with flammable substances and heat sources.
The South African National Burn Safety Awareness Week is from 6 to 12 May. The National Burns Association of South Africa (NBASA) has some important information to share on burns awareness and safety.
Burns awareness and safety at home
- Have working smoke alarms in your home
- Have an ESCAPE plan
- Use quick-release devices on security-barred windows
- Learn at least two escape routes/emergency exits from each room.
ARM yourself with KNOWLEDGE
- Use the correct equipment (fire extinguishers in the kitchen, etc.)
- Keep Burnshield products for burns
- Call 10177 for help in a fire situation or 112 on a cell phone.
Hot water or liquids can cause burns
- Adjust the temperature of the geyser to 55°C
- When cooking with oil, have a lid nearby that can be quickly placed over any oil if it ignites. A wet cloth or baking powder can also be used to smother the flames
• Never throw water onto burning oil, it can spread the fire and also cause an explosion
• Have a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket available in the kitchen.
Electricity can cause fires or burns
- Do not overload electrical circuits, especially extension cords
- Supplying other properties or buildings with electricity by using long extensions, especially if they cross streets, can lead to electrocution and fire
- Never use electrical appliances with wet hands, in the bathroom or pool, as water conducts electricity
- Always unplug heat-producing appliances when not in use, especially irons and heaters
- A heater must be at least 1m away from anything that may catch fire (clothing, furniture or curtains). DO NOT dry clothes on a heater.
For more information visit the National Burn Awareness South Africa website.