Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is calling on families to prioritise simple safety measures to reduce the risk of burn injuries at home during Burns Awareness Month and National Burns Awareness Week (5–9 May).
Burns are among the most common household injuries, often affecting children and older adults in busy homes where cooking, heating, and open flames are part of daily life.

8 Burn Safety Tips For Families

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is calling on families to prioritise simple safety measures to reduce the risk of burn injuries at home during Burns Awareness Month and National Burns Awareness Week (5–9 May).
Burns are among the most common household injuries, often affecting children and older adults in busy homes where cooking, heating, and open flames are part of daily life.
“Burn injuries can happen in seconds but may have lifelong consequences,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“Many occur during everyday activities like cooking, bathing, or using candles and heaters, but most can be prevented with simple safety measures.”
Globally, burns cause hundreds of thousands of deaths each year and millions of injuries requiring medical care. Young children are especially vulnerable due to their sensitive skin and limited awareness of danger. Even minor burns can be painful and prone to infection, while severe burns may lead to long-term complications and scarring.
Most burn injuries happen at home, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Hot liquids, cooking oil, electrical appliances, candles, heaters, and braais all pose risks if not handled carefully.
During National Burns Awareness Week, families are encouraged to revisit basic safety habits to help prevent avoidable burn injuries.

1. Keep Hot Liquids Out of Reach

Hot drinks, soups, boiling water, and cooking oil are among the leading causes of burns in young children. A child pulling a cup off a table or grabbing the cord of the kettle can lead to serious scald injuries. Always keep hot drinks and cooking liquids away from the edges of tables and counters. Avoid carrying hot drinks while holding a child, and ensure that the kettle cords cannot be pulled down easily.

2. Turn Pot Handles Away from the Edge

Cooking accidents are another common cause of burns. Pot and pan handles sticking out from the stove can easily be knocked or grabbed by children. When cooking, turn pot handles towards the back of the stove to prevent them from being pulled or knocked over.

3. Test Bath Water Temperature

Bath water that is too hot can burn delicate skin within seconds, particularly for babies and young children. Always test the water with your wrist or elbow before placing a child in the bath. The water should feel warm, not hot.

4. Be Careful with Candles and Open Flames

Candles are commonly used during power outages or special occasions, but they can pose a serious fire hazard if left unattended. Always place candles on stable surfaces away from curtains or bedding and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

5. Supervise Children Around Braais and Cooking Areas

Outdoor cooking and braais are a popular way for families to gather, but open flames and hot coals can easily cause burns. Children should always be supervised around braais and cooking areas.

6. Use Electrical Appliances Safely

Faulty wiring, damaged plugs, or overloaded sockets can cause electrical burns or fires. Check appliances regularly for damaged cords and avoid using electrical devices near water.

7. Store Chemicals and Fuels Securely

Cleaning products, paraffin, fuels, and other household chemicals can cause severe burns if they come into contact with the skin or eyes. These substances should always be stored in their original containers and kept locked away or out of reach of children.

8. Know Basic Burn First Aid

Despite taking precautions, accidents can still happen. Knowing how to respond quickly and correctly can make a significant difference in reducing pain, preventing complications, and limiting long-term damage.
For minor burns, the first step is to cool the affected area under clean, cool running water for at least 20 minutes as soon as possible. This helps stop the burning process and reduces swelling. Remove any tight clothing or jewellery near the burn, but do not pull away anything stuck to the skin. Avoid using ice, butter, toothpaste, or other home remedies, as these can worsen the injury and increase the risk of infection.
After cooling, loosely cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing or cloth. Do not pop blisters, as this can lead to infection. Over-the-counter pain relief may help manage discomfort, but a healthcare professional should check ongoing pain or signs of infection.
Deep, large burns, or those affecting sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet, or genitals, require immediate medical attention. The same applies to burns caused by electricity, chemicals, or fire, as these can cause hidden internal damage even if the skin appears less affected.
In more serious cases, or if there is any doubt, it is important to seek urgent medical help. Emergency response services such as iER (Integrated Emergency Response) can provide rapid assistance, helping patients access the care they need as quickly as possible. Acting fast and knowing when to escalate care can be lifesaving.

Conclusion

Burn injuries can happen in seconds, but the impact can last a lifetime. The good news is that many of these incidents are preventable with simple, everyday precautions. By staying aware, supervising children, and making small safety changes at home, families can significantly reduce the risk of serious burns. During Burns Awareness Month, taking the time to review these safety habits can make all the difference in protecting your loved ones. And when accidents do happen, having access to reliable medical support matters. With Affinity Health, families can benefit from 24/7 telehealth GP consultations and access to a nationwide network of healthcare providers.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.