The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, but safety should always come first. By following these burn prevention tips, you can ensure that your festivities remain merry and bright. A little caution goes a long way in keeping your home and family safe.
Michael A. Marano, MD, Medical Director at The Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility and New Jersey’s only certified Burn Center, shares some tips on how to stay burn-free and keep the holiday spirit alive without unwanted emergencies.
Candle Safety
Candles are popular during the holidays, but they’re a leading cause of home fires. To enjoy their warm glow without worry:
• Place candles in sturdy holders on flat, stable surfaces.
• Keep candles away from flammable materials, such as curtains, decorations, and tablecloths.
• Never leave candles unattended, especially around children and pets.
• Opt for flameless LED candles as a safer alternative for that cozy, candlelit ambiance.
Christmas Tree Precautions
Whether you go for a real tree or an artificial one, your tree can be a potential fire hazard.
Here’s how to stay safe:
• For real trees, make sure they are fresh and keep them well-watered to prevent them from drying out and becoming more flammable.
• Keep the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, space heaters, or radiators.
• Use flame-retardant decorations and avoid placing sharp or breakable ornaments within reach of children.
• Always turn off tree lights when you leave the house or go to bed.
Kitchen Safety
Cooking fires peak during the holidays, with many homes preparing large meals for family and friends. Follow these tips to avoid accidents in the kitchen:
• Never leave cooking unattended, especially if using high heat or frying.
• Keep flammable items, like oven mitts, towels, and wooden utensils, away from the stovetop.
• Turn pot handles inward so children or pets can’t knock them over.
• Always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
Electrical Safety
Holiday lights are beautiful, but they can also be a fire hazard if not used properly. Here’s how to avoid electrical burns and fires:
• Inspect lights before use to ensure there are no frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets or power strips, which can overheat and cause fires.
• Use lights labeled for indoor use indoors and outdoor lights for outside only.
• Turn off lights and unplug them when not in use to prevent overheating.
Fireplace Safety
There’s nothing like a warm fire during the holidays, but fireplaces pose significant burn risks. Here’s how to enjoy them safely:
• Use a fire screen to prevent embers from escaping and burning nearby objects.
• Never burn wrapping paper, trees, or other holiday materials in the fireplace, as they can cause dangerous flare-ups.
• Make sure your chimney is clean and well-maintained to avoid the risk of a chimney fire.
In addition to the above, it’s important to take general precautions during the holiday season:
• Teach children about burn hazards and make sure they know to stay away from open flames and hot objects.
• Wear non-flammable clothing when cooking or working near open flames.
• If you have a fireplace or space heater, ensure it is placed on a non-flammable surface and isn’t in the path of foot traffic.
Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. In case of an accident, remove any clothing immediately and cool the burn with tepid water. Do not apply home remedies. Seek medical attention for burns that blister larger than a person’s hand.
About The Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
The Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is the only state-certified burn treatment facility in New Jersey, and one of the largest in North America. With 12 intensive care beds and an 18-bed step-down Unit for less critically injured patients, The Burn Center provides expert care for patients of all ages. For more information about The Burn Center, click here or call (973) 322-5920.