Preventing Burn Injuries: Essential Tips for Safety

By: Dr. Roy Dewayne Edwards, DHR Health General & Trauma Surgeon
1100 E. Dove Avenue Suite 300 McAllen, TX 78504
For appointments, call: (956) 362-8170
We accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare.

Burn injuries are painful, often preventable, and can lead to lifelong challenges, including physical and emotional scars. As a physician, I have seen the lasting impact burns can have on individuals and families. Fortunately, many burns can be avoided by following basic safety practices.

Electrical Safety: Electrical burns often result from faulty wiring or miss-handling appliances. Ensure appliances are in good condition and avoid overloading outlets or power strips. Teach children to stay away from electrical outlets and never insert objects into them. Installing childproof outlet covers is an easy and effective way to protect young children from electrical burns at home.

Kitchen Safety: The kitchen is a common place for burn injuries, especially scald burns from hot liquids. To prevent these injuries, always keep pot handles turned inward and use oven mitts when handling hot cookware. Be cautious when cooking with hot oils or boiling water to avoid splatters. Keep young children away from cooking areas, and never hold them while cooking. It is also important to store matches and lighters out of children’s reach to reduce the risk of accidental burns.

Fire Prevention and Safety: House fires are a leading cause of severe burns. Install smoke detectors in sleeping areas and test them monthly. Avoid leaving candles unattended, and be cautious with portable heaters. Additionally, practicing a fire escape plan with your family can save lives in an emergency.

Hot Water Awareness: Scald burns from hot water are common, especially among children and the elderly. Set your water heater to a maximum of 120° F (49° C) to lower scald risk. Always test bathwater temperature before use and encourage others to do the same.

Sunburn Prevention: Sunburns are another type of burn that can be avoided. Limit direct sun exposure during peak hours (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher.

Holiday Safety: Holiday decorations, like Christmas lights and trees, can pose fire risks. Plug lights into grounded outlets and keep them away from flammable objects. If you have a real tree, water it regularly to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.

Burn injuries are devastating but preventable. Taking simple precautions can protect you and your loved ones from these painful and life-altering injuries.

About Dr. Edwards
Dr. Edwards, board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, specializes in general surgery and trauma critical care. He completed a burn surgery fellowship at the Arizona Burn Center in

Phoenix, Arizona, where he gained advanced expertise in treating complex burn injuries. Dr. Edwards treats a wide range of injuries, including burns, using state-of-the-art techniques to ensure optimal recovery. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-focused care during life’s most challenging moments.

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