Extreme heat, such as flames, hot liquids, hot metal, flash explosions, and the sun's radiation can cause burn injuries. Acid, lye, and bleach are only some of the popular chemicals that can also cause a burn. When a burn occurs:

• Stop the burning process
• If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, and roll. Do not run. Running can make the burn injury worse
• If someone else’s clothes catch on fire, have them drop and smother the flames with a coat or blanket
• Call 9-1-1. Make the call for help immediately
• Remove the heat
• Remove all burned clothing: clothing may retain heat and cause deeper injuries
• If clothes adhere to skin, cut or tear around the adherent area
• Pour cool running water over burn for 10-15 minutes
• Do not apply ointments or butter, they may cause infections due to their oil base and provoke deeper injury
• For minor burn injuries, use an antiseptic spray to relieve and prevent infection
• Cover with a clean, dry dressing
• For larger surface area burns (larger than a fist), cool the area as suggested above, cover with a dry, clean dressing, then seek medical attention immediately
• Wash daily with soap and water, and change dressing regularly
• If wound begins to drain excessively or have a foul odor, seek immediate medical attention
• When assisting an electrically injured victim:
• Do not touch the victim if he/she is still touching the source of electricity
• Dial 9-1-1 for emergency assistance
• Remove all jewelry, belts, and tight clothing from the burned area, swelling of the burned area occurs immediately