The Penticton Fire Department and the BC Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund are supporting Burn Awareness Week from Feb. 3-9.

“So many burns and scalds can be prevented, and a bit of awareness of your surroundings will go a long way to protecting yourself and loved ones,” said Penticton Fire Chief Wayne Williams.

“Little things like checking the temperature of the bath water or turning pot handles take only seconds, but can save people from painful scalds from boiling water.”

Fire and burn injuries are the second leading cause of accidental death in children aged one to four years, and the third leading cause of injury and death for those aged one to 18.

According to Safe Kids Canada, an estimated 9,000 children visit hospital emergency rooms each year for burns, and almost half  have suffered scalds from hot liquids. Data collected over a five-year period in BC showed 453 children (birth to five years) were hospitalized because of burns from hot liquids. During the same time frame, BC Children’s Hospital treated 343 young children for scald burns — 87 per cent of these injuries occurred at home

It is recommended that burn victims should be treated immediately by cooling the burn with cool water for three to five minutes and cover with a clean dry cloth, before seeking medical assistance if necessary.

For more information on Burn Awareness Week, visit the city website.