Kidsafe’s National Burns Awareness Month was originally an initiative of the Julian Burton Burns Trust and is held in June each year due to increased risk of burns during winter. 

Throughout June, Kidsafe invites you to raise awareness of burns prevention and correct first aid by posting on social media or by supporting children’s learning using educational resources.

Click here to find everything you need to get started!

Content and image source:  Kidsafe Australia

The alpine environment is the ultimate family destination in winter, with many exciting activities including, skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. As with most outdoor activities, it is important to be safety conscious and adequately plan and prepare.

If you're outside on a very cold day:

• Ensure you and your child wear enough protective clothing.
• Dress in several thin layers because you can start out with lots of clothes to keep you warm and then peel them off once you start to heat up.
• Wear a hat, scarf, and gloves.

In the snow:

• Make sure children are supervised by adults, rather than an older child.
• Wear protective, high visibility clothing and head gear when skiing or tobogganing.
• Place a name tag in an obvious place (with ski lodge or mobile number) to help the Ski Patrol locate you should one of your children be lost or injured.
• Properly fit any ski boots, bindings or boards.
• Ensure children travel safely on chairlifts. They should always ride with an adult, sit still and use any restraining devices available.
• Be alert to body signals. Shivering or teeth chattering, may mean it’s time to go inside.
• Keep hydrated with warm drinks and soups when it's cold outside. It’s important to warm up before heading back outside.
• Enjoy!

Content source:  http://snowsafe.org.au/

Many families use electric blankets to stay warm on cool winter nights.  If you are using an electric blanket this winter, be sure to:

• Check cords for damage before each use.
• Test the blanket before each use to make sure it is working properly.
• Turn off the blanket before going to sleep, leaving the room or house.

For more great information, visit Kidsafe NSW’s infographic:  Electric blankets and hot water bottles

Hot water bottles and heat packs can be great to sooth minor aches and pains on adults.  However, if hot water bottles are used incorrectly or if the bottle breaks then burns and scalds can occur.  

If heat packs are overheated or placed in bedding material it can result in burns to skin or ignite into fire.  It is highly recommended NOT to use with children because of the risk of inadvertent scalding due to the heat from the contents and/or outside cover.

Follow these top safety tips on water bottles and heat packs:

• Buy a new hot water bottle and/or heat pack every winter and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never use boiling water in the bottle.
• Use a towel or protective cover around hot water bottle or heat pack to protect skin.
• Keep on one area for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
• Never place a heat pack into a bed.

For more great information, visit Kidsafe NSW’s infographic:  Electric blankets and hot water bottles

Source:  Product Safety Australia, Fire and Rescue NSW and Fair Trading NSW

The new app, The Cool Runnings, aims to prevent burn and scald injuries through games and quizzes.  This fun and engaging app was developed by the Australian technology company iPug, the Centre for Children’s Burns and Trauma Research, Queensland University of Technology and the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Program.

Check out the app here  and download it to your smart phone, computer or tablet today!

Watch the videos here

Image source:  The Cool Runnings

For a complete list of product recalls including children’s clothing, furniture and toys go to ACCC Product Safety Australia.

Image source:  Choice.com.au

It is with this generous support that Kidsafe NSW is able to provide community education and injury prevention programs in the area of playground safety, road safety, home safety, and water safety.  It also allows us to produce newsletters, contribute to research and advocate for child safety.

If you or your organisation is interested in supporting Kidsafe NSW, please click here to donate.

We greatly appreciate your support!