Winter brings chilly weather to Illinois, cozy nights by the fire, and, unfortunately, an increased risk of burn injuries. Cold weather often leads people to rely on heating devices and other measures that, when mishandled or defective, can cause serious harm. Let’s explore the common causes of winter burn injuries and how to keep your family safe during the colder months.
Fires and Fireplace Accidents
Winter is a peak season for house fires, often caused by fireplaces, candles, or unattended cooking. While a roaring fire can create a cozy atmosphere, it poses risks if not properly managed. Common risks include:
- Fireplaces
- Flammable materials placed too close to heat sources
Safety Tip: Always use a screen to contain fireplace sparks, keep flammable objects at least three feet away, and extinguish fires completely before leaving the room.
Malfunctioning Space Heaters
Space heaters are a convenient way to warm up a room, but they can quickly become dangerous if defective or used incorrectly. These devices can overheat, tip over, or ignite nearby objects, causing fires and burn injuries.
Safety Tip: Invest in a space heater with automatic shut-off features, keep it on a flat surface, and never leave it unattended.
Heated Blankets and Heating Pads
Heated blankets and heating pads are popular for staying warm, but they can cause burns if they overheat or are left on for too long. Older or faulty devices are particularly risky.
Safety Tip: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, replace worn-out heating devices, and avoid prolonged direct contact with your skin.
Gas Accidents and Explosions
Winter often increases the use of gas-powered appliances for heating and cooking, raising the risk of leaks and explosions. A gas leak in a poorly ventilated area can ignite from a single spark, leading to severe injuries.
Safety Tip: Install carbon monoxide detectors, check gas lines regularly, and never use gas-powered appliances in enclosed spaces.
Outdoor Burn Hazards
Winter activities like lighting fire pits or using grills can also lead to burns if handled carelessly. Additionally, using hot water to melt ice on driveways can splash back, causing scalding burns.
Safety Tip: Avoid using hot water for de-icing and choose safe alternatives like salt or sand. Exercise caution around open flames during outdoor activities.
How a Burn Injury Attorney Can Help
Burn injuries can be incredibly painful and life-altering, requiring extensive medical treatment and recovery time. If your injury resulted from someone else’s negligence—such as a defective product or unsafe premises—you may be entitled to compensation. At Stein & Shulman, LLC, we help burn injury victims secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Whether you were injured by a faulty space heater, a gas explosion, or another preventable accident, our experienced attorneys will investigate your case and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Stay Safe This Winter
By taking precautions and staying vigilant, you can minimize the risk of burn injuries during the colder months. And if an accident occurs, Stein & Shulman, LLC is here to help.
