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This week -- February 7 through February 13 -- is National Burn Awareness Week, and the Hickory Fire Department wants to give you some helpful tips to prevent you and your loved ones from getting burned.

- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
- When cooking, turn pot handles in and put electrical cords out of reach so hot food cannot be pulled down. 
- Never leave cooking unattended and never put water on a grease fire.
- Allow foods to cool before serving.  Eating or drinking hot foods is a common cause of burns.
- Do not allow children to play in the area where cooking.
- Adjust your water heater’s temperature to less than 120°F to prevent scalds.
- Test the water before getting in it.  Turn on the cold water first, and then add hot.
- Do not allow children to play near any open flame or heater.  This includes fireplaces, heaters, grills, campfires, etc.
- Do not leave hot irons or curling irons unattended.
- Cover unused electrical outlets with safety caps and do not allow children to play with electrical cords.
- Do not stay in the sun too long and use sunscreen while outdoors.
- Educate family and friends on the dangers of fire and burns.

The following are some first aid techniques for burns:
- Remember if your clothes catch fire to STOP, DROP & ROLL! 
- For minor burns, put cool water on the burn.  NEVER use ice, butter, creams, ointments, or anything else to cool a burn.  ONLY USE COOL WATER!!
- For more severe burns, call 9-1-1 immediately!  Do not try to remove any burnt clothing.  Extinguish any fire that is on the person and get help.

Ensure that your home has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.  Also, develop an escape plan with your family and practice home fire drills.  For more information on burn prevention, contact the Hickory Fire Department at 828-323-7420.