Long Island Plastic Surgical Group Promotes Burn Awareness

The following was provided to Patch courtesy of the Long Island Plastic Surgical Group:

The Long Island Plastic Surgical Group reminds the community that February 5 to 11 is National Burn Awareness Week. According to the American Burn Association, nearly half a million people in the United States received medical treatment for burns in the last year. Burn injuries are more common in the elderly population and among young children.

“Education is the best preventative measure one can take when it comes to burn injuries.” says Dr. Roger L. Simpson, partner at the Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Director of the Burn Center at Nassau University Medical Center. “Be sure your household members are aware of fire evacuation plans and that young children know the dangers of heat and flame.”

Here are a few suggestions to keep you and your loved ones safe from burns:

• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries twice yearly
• Take caution when removing hot foods and plates from microwave
• When cooking on a stove top, use back burners when young children are present, always turn pot handles towards the inside of the stove
• Have fireplace flues and chimneys inspected annually
• Always wait until fireplace embers have cooled before disposing
• Never use space heaters on rugs or carpets
• Both space heaters and candles should be far from flammable materials, such as bedding, and curtains
• Check the water temperature before placing your child in the tub, a child's skin burns more easily than an adult's
• Lower the setting on water heater thermostats to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below to prevent hot tap water scalds
• Keep cords from appliances where children cannot reach them
• If you ever smell gas, or detect a gas leak, do not hesitate to call your local fire department or gas company

Dr.STITCH™, Long Island Plastic Surgical Group’s 24 hour hotline and service for emergency treatment, will be raffling off free tickets to the Nassau County Firefighters Museum, every week for the month of February. A major goal of the museum is to educate and inform the public about fire safety and prevention and to display the proud history of volunteer firefighting in Nassau County. Enter for a chance to win tickets at 877DrSTITCH.com.