Electrical Burns Electrical burns can be caused by lightning, live wires and contact with household current. An electrical injury can cause damage to internal tissues. The damage can actually be worse than a burn on the skin. A person injured by electricity should ALWAYS seek medical care. Turn this card over to learn how you can safely help.
Electrical Burns What should you do? Look first. Don t touch. The person may still be in contact with an electrical source. If you touch them, the current can pass through you, causing you to get a shock or burn as well. Unplug or turn off the source of electricity, if possible. If this is not possible, do not touch the victim. Call 911. If the person is not still attached to the current, check for responsiveness and normal breathing. If there is no normal breathing, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately. If responsive and breathing, treat for shock. Lay the person down and elevate the legs if there is no trauma. Maintain normal body temperature. Cover the affected areas. If the person is breathing, cover any burned areas with a clean cloth or plastic covering. ES-42820-15
Prevent Burns! Lock up dangerous items. Keep out of reach of children. Keep hot liquids out of reach of children. Turn down water heaters to less than 120º F. Check bath temperature with your wrist or elbow before getting in. Keep children at least 3 feet away from stoves, outdoor grills, campfires, and fireplaces. Don t let appliance cords dangle where children can reach them. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Never use gasoline to start a fire. Protect your skin by using a sunscreen with a high SPF that protects from UVA and UVB rays.
What to do if You are Burned Cool it Cool the burn immediately with room temperature water to lower the skin temperature and stop the burning process. Get medical help Call 911 or go to your local emergency room immediately if it s anything more than a minor burn. Clean it Treat a minor burn like you would treat a minor cut or scrape. Wash with soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage. Wash the burn and change the bandage with your daily shower or bath. Call your doctor if you have any concerns with your burn. ES-42820-15
campfire safety Always have an adult around. Children should never build a fire alone. Have plenty of water and a shovel within reach in case the fire starts to burn outside your fire area. Pick one person to be in charge of adding wood to the fire. Keep a safety zone of at least 3 feet when standing around the fire. Never throw or use flammable liquids on a fire. Teach everyone how to stop, drop and roll. Keep the campfire small. Never throw trash on a fire. Never leave a campfire. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread. Before leaving the area, cover the fire with water, making sure all ashes, coals and sticks are wet.
Fireworks fireworks safety Leave the Fireworks to the Pros! It s that time of year for warm weather, picnics in the park, and 4th of July celebrations. Keep your family and yourself safe. NEVER: Experiment or make your own fireworks Light more than one firework at a time Re-light a dud firework Point or throw fireworks at people Carry fireworks in your pocket Celebrate Safely Use non-flammable streamers and noisemakers instead of sparklers. If your clothing catches on fire STOP, DROP and ROLL until the fire is out. Then immediately douse in cool water. ES-42820-15
protect yourself from the sun Make sure to wear shoes outside on hot, sunny days to keep from burning your feet on the pavement or street. Apply sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 every 2 hours. Wear sunglasses with a UV filter. Sun exposure can damage your eyes. Wear a hat and light-colored long sleeves or pants when possible.
What to do for sunburn: Move out of the sun and take a cool bath or shower Don t apply creams or lotions (including numbing medication, butter or toothpaste) as they may hold heat inside your skin Drink extra fluids for the next few days following the burn Stay out of the sun if possible and keep all sunburned areas fully covered until healed Call your doctor if: The sunburn forms blisters or is extremely painful The sunburn covers a large area of the body You notice facial swelling You have a fever or severe chills after getting sunburned You have a headache, confusion, or a feeling of faintness You show signs of dryness (thirst, dry eyes and dry mouth) ES-42820-15