Burns

Alternative names:

first degree burn; second degree burn; third degree burn

Prevention:

In the U.S., about 2 million people suffer burns each year. Of these, 300,000 are burned seriously and over 6,000 are fatalities, making burns this nation's third largest cause of accidental death.

To help prevent injuries from burns:

• Install smoke alarms in your home.
• Take time to teach children about the proper fire safety precautions, fire escapes, and the hazards of matches and fireworks.
• Know and practice fire escape routes.