At least 50% of all burn accidents can be prevented and the majority of burns happen at home
GARDEN CITY, NY, February 3, 2012 — The Long Island Plastic Surgical Group reminds the community that February 5-11 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.
About Long Island Plastic Surgical Group
For more than 60 years, Long Island Plastic Surgical Group has been dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care, while pioneering and performing the most advanced reconstructive and cosmetic surgical procedures. As the largest and longest running private academic plastic surgical practice in the nation, LIPSG surgeons have over 200 years combined experience as leaders and innovators in the field. The size of the practice and diversity of expertise is reflected in its nine specialty centers: Skin Care and Age Management; Non-invasive and Surgical Facial Rejuvenation; Pediatric Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery; Facial Reanimation and Peripheral Nerve Repair; Microsurgery and Hand Reconstruction; Breast and Body Cosmetic Surgery; Burns and Complex Wound Management; Breast Reconstruction Surgery; Post-Weight Loss Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery.
About Dr.STITCH
Dr. STITCH is Long Island Plastic Surgical Group’s 24 hour hotline and service for emergency treatment, including burns, facial trauma, complex wounds and lacerations. You can call Dr. STITCH 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and one of our plastic surgeons will meet you at the emergency room or in one of our convenient office locations. For more information about Dr.STITCH, visit 877DrSTITCH.com.
