(2/26/13) – McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal reminds families to take caution during Scald and Burn Month (February) as well as year-round. Injuries from scalds and burns are some of the most painful and severe that children can suffer. Fortunately, most of them can be prevented by making a few easy modifications in the home and by teaching your family what to do in case of an emergency.

Safety Tips
Be aware of items in your home that can cause scalds and burns. Keep matches, gasoline, and lighters locked away and out of children’s reach. Do not use these items for fun; children will imitate your actions. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Place candles in safe locations, away from combustible materials and where children or pets cannot tip them over. Unplug irons and curling irons when not in use. Store them out of a child’s reach. Finally, keep appliance cords out of children’s reach, especially if the appliances contain hot foods or liquids.

Additionally, childproofing your outlets can prevent a child from inserting metal objects, such as forks or keys, into them which can cause an electrical burn.

For more information on preventing childhood injury, please call McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal at (843) 777-5021 to speak to an Injury Prevention Specialist or visit www.McLeodSafeKids.org.

McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading cause of death in children 14 and under. McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury. McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal is funded in part by the McLeod Health Foundation.