1. Use Common Sense
A thermal injury is an injury to the skin caused by heat, flame or extreme cold. Sometimes, thermal injuries are not avoidable, such as in a house fire. However, many thermal injuries are avoidable by taking a few short, easy steps. Avoidable thermal injuries include things such as a sunburn, windburn and frostbite. Using common sense can help you to prevent and avoid many of the common thermal injuries.
2. Nipping the Frostbite
You can actually avoid frostbite if you dress properly for the weather. If you know that it is snowing, cold, and the wind is blowing, you should wear the appropriate clothing when going outside such as a coat, a toboggan, gloves and scarf. It is best to wear mittens instead of gloves because mittens hold more heat than gloves. Also, wear boots that fit your feet properly. Stuffing socks into boots will cause the foot to be uncomfortable and will prevent warm blood from flowing to and from the foot. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you are in the extreme cold without the appropriate attire, you try eating and drinking. The body can turn food and drink into energy and heat to help warm you. Do not rub frostbitten fingers or hands together and do not expose frostbitten organs to heat directly because it could cause more damage. If you have frostbite, you should see a doctor immediately. Do not expose any frostbite to heat to try to thaw it out because this could cause extreme pain.
3. Holding in the Heat
Heat is another element that can cause severe thermal injury. If you find yourself in a fire and are on fire, you should stop, drop and roll. This will help put the fire out. However, other minor heat related thermal injuries are avoidable. For example, if you know you are going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, you should always wear the appropriate sunscreen or sun lotion. Extended exposure to the sun can cause sunburns and other skin related problems, including cancer. One should always use caution when spending a lot of time in the sun. There are other places where one can be burned, such as in the kitchen. Turn all of the handles on the pots and pans inwards and never lean over a lit stove. Simply using a little bit of common sense will help you to avoid most household burns. Always check the water before taking a bath or a shower. Many people get burns as a result of an extremely hot bath. So, use caution in the bathroom when taking a bath.
