🩺 NATIONAL BURNS AWARENESS MONTH
🔥 5–9 May: National Burns Awareness Week

South Africa dedicates May to National Burns Awareness Month, focusing on raising awareness and educating the public about burn prevention and safety. The National Burns Association of South Africa (NBASA) leads efforts to inform and protect South Africans from fire-related injuries, fatalities, and property damage, while also offering emotional support to those affected.

⚡ Common Causes of Burn Injuries:

• Unprotected electrical outlets

• Misused extension cords

• Lightning strikes

• Workplace electrical hazards

Thanks to medical advances, burn care and rehabilitation have dramatically improved, but burn prevention remains critical.

🔐 NBASA SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

✅ Have an escape plan with at least two exits from each room
✅ Arm yourself with knowledge about burns and fire safety
✅ Keep Burnshield products readily available
✅ In case of emergency, call 10177 or 112 from a cellphone
✅ Hot water and liquids can cause serious burns
✅ When cooking with oil, keep a lid, wet cloth, or baking powder nearby
🚫 Never throw water on burning oil – it can cause an explosion
✅ Keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen
✅ Electricity can cause burns – don’t overload circuits
🚫 Never use electrical appliances with wet hands or near water
✅ Unplug heat-producing appliances like irons and heaters when not in use
✅ Keep heaters at least 1 metre away from clothes, furniture, and curtains

🚨 BURN EMERGENCY? KNOW WHAT TO DO:

1. Stop the burning process immediately

2. Cool the burn with cool running water for at least 20 minutes (no ice)

3. Cover with a clean, non-stick dressing

4. For minor burns, use mild soap and water and apply topical antibiotics

5. Seek medical attention for large or deep burns – you may need specialist care

Burns are serious, painful, and often life-threatening. Let’s prevent them together.

Sources: The National Burn Association SA, SA Burns Society, Burnshield, M-Care Optima