Winter can be loaded with outdoor hazards like sleet, black ice, snow and freezing conditions. So no one blames you when spring finally arrives and you can’t wait to spend time outside without your teeth chattering.
But warmer weather is not without its own risk. And burns outside of the home are at the top of the list. Below are some tips you can use to protect yourself and your loved ones from burns outside of the home.
- Cover up. You may not think of sunburn as a real burn, but the damage it does can be devastating. A bad sunburn can cause first- or second-degree burn damage to your skin, so protect yourself if you plan to be outside for any amount of time. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and consider wearing clothing with built-in SPF. Reapply sunscreen about every 45 minutes.
- Guard the grill. Food on the grill is a favorite cooking method during warmer months—but it’s also one of the leading causes of burns outside the home. About 20,000 of the 66 million people who use a grill will go to the emergency room because of a grill accident each year. Keep the grill covered whenever possible, wear protective gloves and clothing while cooking, and keep children away from the grill when it is turned on – and while it cools down.
- Remember kid car safety. Taking the kids along for an errand run? Check the car’s interior before you go – especially the metal seatbelt attachments. These pieces can burn a child if the car has been in the sun for an extended period of time.
- Practice fire pit safety. Camp fires and bonfires are always fun. Just make it a safe activity by using the minimum amount of lighter fluid, keeping children a safe distance away and limiting the fire to a controlled area. A roaring blaze isn’t necessary to roast a few marshmallows.
After months couped up in the home, working or relaxing outdoors can be enjoyable. By keeping a few things in mind, you can help ensure that you’ll be able to focus on fun instead of burns outside of the home.
Sometimes burns happen despite your best precautions. In the next post, learn what you should do if you’ve been burned.
Read the full story from Erie Insurance: “How to Avoid Burns Outside of the Home“