ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Preschool-aged children make up a large majority of the patients coming into hospitals with burn injuries, according to research from Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Regional Burn Center.
Now, a resource to educate parents has been redesigned to help demonstrate fire and burn risks among small children.
The Home Safe Home program is being offered through LVHN and the Burn Prevention Network.
- The Burn Prevention Network and LVHN team up to educate parents about burn and fire risks to their children
- What was once a packet given to new parents is now a video
- Tips include putting a lid on hot coffee and checking fire alarms
In the past, the program included an informational packet given to parents of newborns when discharged. Now, parents will watch a video showing some of the risks to children in the home.
“I believe it’s a vital resource for new parents,” LVHN nurse Krista Gery said. “Many new parents don’t think about the everyday things around their house that could pose a burn risk to their newborn or growing child.
"The Home Safe Home video demonstrates hazardous scenarios their child could encounter in each main area of their home which can be very eye-opening.”
“Many new parents don’t think about the everyday things around their house that could pose a burn risk to their newborn or growing child."
Krista Gery, Nurse, LVHN
In the video, fire and burn safety measures are suggested to those who have little ones in their home.
The tips include checking fire alarms every month, removing tablecloths to prevent children from pulling down hot items, and using a travel mug or mug with a lid when drinking hot beverages such as coffee.
The video will be routine for all new parents leaving one of the Network’s locations, along with information about shaken baby syndrome and SIDS, which are already part of the standard discharge protocol.