National Burn Awareness Week from February 2-8

National Burn Awareness Week from February 2-8

Click Here - Scald Prevention Safety Tips
Click Here - Be Fire Safe in the Kitchen

Town of Osoyoos Fire Department (OFD) is reminding residents that February 2-8 is National Burn Awareness Week, placing an emphasis on preventing burns to small children.

Parents are advised to remove common household triggers from the home and teach children about safety with hot objects and liquids. The majority of burns and scalds can be prevented with proper precautions and education.

A child’s high energy and natural curiosity places them at a higher risk of sustaining burns and scalds. Eliminating sources of scalds and burns within the home is the most important preventative measure a parent can take to avoid injuries to their children.

Placing lighters, cigarettes, appliances and heaters out of reach of children is crucial. Food and liquids that young children eat should always be tested for temperature prior to consumption.

To decrease the chances of children sustaining injuries, OFD is recommending all parents and caregivers practice these preventative measures:

• When bathing a child, always turn on the cold water before the hot. Check the temperature before putting your child in the bathtub. Always position them so that their backs are facing away from the faucet and never leave them unattended.
• Consider adjusting your hot water heater to a maximum temperature of 49 C (120 F) to avoid scalds.
• Place hot food and beverages in the center of the table, and avoid using tablecloths that could easily be pulled off.
• When cooking, always turn pot handles towards the center of the stove and do not leave appliance cords within children’s reach.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking, barbecuing or attending to a fire pit or fireplace and never leave children unattended around these devices.
• Store lighters and matches out of sight and reach of children.
• Protect skin from the sun and always use a sunscreen with a high SPF rating.

Dave McMahon
Fire Chief
Osoyoos Fire Department
250.495.4613
fire@osoyoos.ca