Today is National Burn Awareness Day and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has issued advice to help prevent burns and scalds.

The awareness day aims to help cut the number of injuries each year caused by fire and hot items.

Catherine Moody, home accident reduction team leader for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, has offered her tips on reducing the chances of burns or scalds.

She said: "Remember to keep things that can cause fire – candles, matches and lighters – or are hot – kettles, irons and hair straighteners – out of children’s reach.

"Make sure children don’t play near fires or heaters to avoid them getting burnt.

"Use the back hobs on the stove and make sure saucepan handles don’t stick out to avoid them being knocked off.

"Never leave children unattended in the kitchen.

"Fit a childproof guard in front of open fires or heaters – the best ones can be fixed to the wall.

"Clothing will always burn if in contact with naked flames – but some much faster than others.

"If your or your children’s clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll. Don’t run around, you’ll make the flames worse. Lie down and roll around to make it harder for the fire to spread and smother the flames with a heavy material, like a coat or blanket."

Other burns can be caused by our day-to-day consumables and activities.

Catherine states: “There are many other types of burns that happen. Not all are from coming into contact with a naked flame like an open fire or candle. We are also promoting other burn/scald prevention messages.

"Run cold water first in the bath or sink before adding hot water – test the temperature. Don’t put a baby or child into a bath until the water has been tested. Consider installing thermostatic mixing valves on all hot water outlets.

"Store chemicals, cleaners and acidic substances out of reach and ensure the lids are secure before putting away.

"Remember the Burn first aid process to utilise in case of an emergency - Cool, call and cover. Cool the burn with running cold tap water for 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery (unless it is melted or firmly stuck to the wound). Call 999, 111 or the local GP for advice. Cover with cling film or a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or cloth. Make sure the patient is kept warm until medical attention arrives.

“These messages about National Burn Awareness Day also apply with Hallowe’en, which is just a couple of weeks later. Candles and jack-o-lanterns bring fire hazards and with children dressing up in fancy dress costumes, this proximity to National Burn Awareness Day provides an opportunity to remind parents/child carers to only buy fancy dress costumes from reputable retailers and always check the label – clothing will always burn if in contact with naked flames, but some much faster than others. So be vigilant at all times.

“It is also worth parents and child carers remembering to keep these items out of children’s reach and to teach them and their children what to do should something happen. It’s easy to remember and it’s only three words – STOP, DROP and ROLL – a few minutes practise with your children may make all the difference to their well-being.”