Burn victim statistics higher in winter.

Tembisa Hospital clinical manager, Dr Sasiwe Mbeleki said, “In June an average of three adults and five children under the age of 12 are admitted daily to the burns unit.” She said these numbers did not include patients who were treated in the emergency department and discharged.

She said the common causes of burn injuries for adults was open flames from gas stoves, while children were burnt mostly through hot water from pots or bath water.

To avoid burns this winter take the following precautions:

•  Store matches and cigarette lighters in a locked cabinet, out of reach of children.

•  Blow out candles when you leave a room, never leave fire unattended.

•  Turn handles of pots away from children’s reach.

•  Throw away damaged electrical cords.

•  If you smoke, do not smoke in bed.

•  Store chemicals such as paraffin away from children’s reach.

•  Put covers on all electrical outlets.

•  When bathing a baby, first pour cold water onto tub then follow with hot water. Never put a child in water before doing a hand test.

•  Unplug irons and keep them away from children.

After being burnt:

•  Run cool water over a burn do not use ice.

•  If your clothes catch fire roll on the ground to put out flames. Do not run.

•  Do not apply toothpaste or egg yoke to burn wounds.

•  Consult a doctor or clinic quickly after running water over burn.