The first thing that comes to mind, when people think of summer is usually the hot weather. Indeed, the months of July, August, and even September are often known for scorching temperatures. But did you know that the summer months are also prime time for burn injuries? To keep you and your family ouch-free this summer, be careful when dealing with these common causes of summer burn injuries:
- One of the best parts of summer is having friends and family over for a barbecue. Just throw some burgers and sweet corn on the grill, and you have a party! While you may think you are the grill master, it is important to remember that each year numerous people suffer serious burn injuries caused by charcoal or gas grills. To avoid burning more than your hamburger buns, remember to store and handle dangerous items like propane tanks and lighter fluid properly. Also, much like a pot on the stove, a grill should never be left unattended.
- Campfires. Summer for many families means spending time in the great outdoors. Camping is a great way to connect with nature and escape the hectic pace of life. Plus, what could be better for dinner than roasting a hot dog over an open fire? If you like to cook outdoors, be sure to brush up on campfire safety before you embark for your next trip. An out of control fire can cause a nasty burn injury and damage to the surrounding Also, never head to bed until you completely extinguish the fire.
- Fire Pits. What could make for a more perfect end to a summer evening than sitting by the glow of a fire? The heat from the fire is just enough to keep warm on a chilly evening, and the smoke keeps the mosquitos at bay. All of which makes a fire pit a great place to create summer memories. But you want your memories to be of fun not of flames! To keep your deck and your home from going up in smoke, make sure that the fire pit is set up on a solid surface and away from combustible items. Also, when selecting wood to burn, do not use soft woods like pine, which can pop and cause sparks to fly.
- But not all burns are caused by fire! Sunburns are burns caused by UVB rays. These rays can cause significant damage to the skin and even cause illness. Do not be afraid to see a medical professional for a sunburn that 1) covers a large area of the body and has blisters, 2) is accompanied by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, chills, high fever, confusion, dehydration or severe pain, 4) shows signs of a skin infection, or 5) is not responding well to at home treatments.
- Fireworks are another cause of burn injuries during the summer months. Failing to light a firework properly or attempting to relight or pick up a firework that did not ignite are common causes of serious firework-related burn injuries. Keep in mind that children, pets, and combustible objects should need to kept at a safe distance from fireworks.
If you or a loved one suffered a serious burn injury due to the negligence or recklessness of another, it is important to know that you have legal options. The Kansas City Catastrophic Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have helped countless injury victims, in both Kansas and Missouri, obtain compensation for their injuries. Our caring team of attorneys will take the time to listen to you and carefully review the facts of your case. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced Kansas City Attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673. At Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P we are dedicated to helping injury victims!