Older adults: protect yourself from burns

Posted: 1/2/2018

The temperature is dropping and winter time can be especially dangerous for adults 65 years and older. Parkland’s Regional Burn Center experts say many older adults come to the hospital with burns from hot coffee, hot oil, hot soup or boiling water. 

Older adults, especially if taking medicines, can sometimes feel shaky, dizzy or sleepy. This can increase the chance of spilling hot liquids. Older skin also burns deeper and faster. 

Follow some of these tips to avoid burns at home:

• Use oven mitts, not towels, to handle pots and pans.
• Turn handles so they don’t hang over the edge of the stove.
• Be careful when cooking with oil. Keep the burner on a low to medium setting.
• Make sure you have smoke alarms in your home and replace the batteries every six months.If you use oxygen, never smoke or let others smoke near you. Also, stay away from candles, matches and wood stoves because they can cause a fire if you’re using oxygen. 
• Have an escape plan if a fire starts in your home. 
  

Learn more about Parkland’s Regional Burn Center at www.Parklandhospital.com/Burncenter