Scald Prevention
Burn Awareness Week is February 1 – 7. During this time, it's a good idea to talk with your family about burn prevention and how to avoid scalds. The American Burn Association (ABA) estimates that nearly 500,000 burn injuries are treated in hospitals each year. Roughly half of these injuries are scalds.
Most burn injuries occur in the home, usually in the kitchen or bathroom. A scald injury can happen at any age, but young children and older adults are most vulnerable. By making simple behavioral or environmental changes, scalds can be prevented. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers these tips to stay safe :
- Place hot liquids and food in the center of the dinner table or toward the back of the counter;
- Open microwaved food slowly, away from your face; and
- Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.
If someone in your household suffers a burn injury, the NFPA says to treat the burn immediately by running cool water on the affected area for 3 – 5 minutes, covering the area with a damp, dry cloth, and seeking medical attention.
Test your knowledge of scald prevention with this ABA assessment .
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Home Flood Protection
Floods are the most common disaster in the United States. If you live near a low-lying body of water, along a coast, or downstream from a levee, it's particularly important to be prepared for flooding and to protect your home.
One of the best ways to protect your home is to purchase flood insurance. Purchasing flood insurance provides protection for the cost of repairs due to flood damage. Standard insurance policies do not cover flooding, but flood insurance is available for homeowners, renters, and businesses through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Once purchased, it will take 30 days for the policy to go into effect.
In addition to flood insurance, the NFIP lists ways to prepare your home for a flood, including:
- Clear debris from gutters and downspouts;
- Install a water alarm in the basement;
- Elevate the furnace, water heater, washer and dryer at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation; and
- Move furniture, valuables and important documents to a safe place.
Floods can happen at any time. Taking small steps can make a big difference in reducing the risk of flood damage to your property. As you complete these actions, be sure to register them on the America's PrepareAthon! website.
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Winter Road Rules
Driving in winter weather conditions can be hazardous especially in areas that receive a large amount of snow and ice. Unless an emergency has occurred, it's always best to stay off the roads. If you must drive, allow yourself extra time to reach your destination and make sure your vehicle emergency kit contains the following items:
- Road salt;
- Emergency flares;
- An ice scraper; and
- A shovel.
While on the road, you should adjust your driving techniques to account for the slippery conditions. Follow these tips to ensure your safety and that of others:
- Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you;
- Do not use cruise control; and
- Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, or shady areas.
In addition, it is important to give snow plows extra room. If you find yourself behind a snow plow, slow down and don't crowd the plow! Remember to always pass on the left side.
For more winter driving tips, click on this animated snow globe from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration containing vital information.
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