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Burn Safety and Fire Awareness This Winter: First Aid Tips for the Colder Month

As the nights grow darker and colder, there’s something undeniably cosy about warm fires, twinkling candles, and hot meals shared with loved ones. But the colder months also bring a seasonal spike in accidents, especially burns and fire-related injuries.


Close-up photo of a lit sparkler against a black background, with golden sparks radiating outward in all directions. The image captures the bright flame and intense glow of the burning tip.

From Bonfire Night and Diwali to Christmas dinners and icy heaters, the risk of injury rises when flames, stovetops, and radiators come into play. That’s why now is the perfect time to brush up on burn first aid and fire safety knowledge... whether for your home, your team, or your workplace.



Common Causes of Burns in Winter


It might feel like the most magical time of the year, but the colder months also bring an increase in:


  1. Kitchen accidents while preparing festive meals

  2. Contact burns from hot radiators or open fires

  3. Candle-related incidents

  4. Bonfire and sparkler injuries

  5. Burns from spilt hot drinks


These types of burns are often preventable, but they happen fast and knowing what to do in those first moments can make all the difference.

 


How to Treat a Burn Properly


Minor burns are one of the most common injuries during colder months. Whether it’s from reaching into a hot oven, knocking over a candle, or spilling a hot drink, it’s important to know how to respond quickly and effectively.


Burns can happen to anyone. A splash of boiling water, a brush against the oven, a candle too close to the sleeve... and you’re dealing with damaged skin that can quickly become serious if not treated correctly.


Knowing what to do can:


  1. Reduce the severity of the burn

  2. Prevent infection

  3. Minimise long-term damage


Here is how to treat a burn effectively and safely:


1. Cool the Burn Immediately 

Hold the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes. If that’s not possible, use a clean, cool wet cloth or soak the area in cool water.


Why cooling a burn matters: Cooling the burn as soon as possible helps reduce pain, swelling, and the depth of injury by drawing heat out of the skin.


 2. Remove Constrictions 

Gently remove jewellery, watches, or tight clothing from the area... but only if it isn’t stuck. Do not try to remove anything that is stuck to the skin. Swelling can develop quickly, and anything tight around the area can restrict blood flow or worsen the injury.


 3. Protect the Burn 

Once cooled, cover the burn loosely with cling film, a clean plastic bag (for hands/feet), or a sterile dressing. Covering the area keeps it clean, eases pain and reduces the risk of infection.


What NOT to Do When Treating a

Burn: 


Two hands on top of each other held under a silver tap with water streaming onto soapy hands into a sink.

Some well-meaning advice can do more harm than good. Here are a few common myths and mistakes:


  1. Don’t use ice as it can damage the skin further

  2. Don’t apply butter, cream, oil, or toothpaste

  3. Don’t pop any blisters

  4. Don’t remove anything stuck to the skin


Applying substances like butter or toothpaste can trap heat in the skin, leading to deeper tissue damage and increasing the risk of infection.



When to Seek Medical Help for a Burn:

 

Call 999 or 111 if:

 

  1. The burn is larger than the palm of your hand

  2. The burn is deep or appears white, charred, or leathery

  3. The burn is on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or joints

  4. The person is a child under 5, pregnant, or has a medical condition

  5. There are signs of shock such as pale skin, fainting, fast breathing



Preventing Burns and Fire-Related Injuries This Winter


A few proactive steps can go a long way in preventing accidents:


  • Keep hot drinks and pots out of reach of children. When around children using a cup with a secure lid can also help minimise accidents, but remember to always be mindful and keep out of reach as lids can fail and cups can become hot to touch.

  • Use fire guards and keep flammable materials away from open flames.

  • Place candles in sturdy holders, well away from curtains and other soft furnishings.

  • Don’t leave food cooking unattended, and any flammable materials away from hobs.

  • Keep a fire blanket or extinguisher in the kitchen


If you work in an environment where burns or fires are a possibility, make sure your staff are trained and confident in first aid response and emergency evacuation.



Fire Marshal Training


This 3-hour training session is designed for teams who want to:


  1. Understand their legal responsibilities

  2. Identify fire hazards in their setting

  3. Learn how to use different fire extinguishers and fire blankets

  4. Practice emergency evacuation procedures


Close-up of a person inspecting a red fire extinguisher gauge with a pen, wearing a dark blue uniform, highlighting the importance of workplace fire safety checks.

Ideal for:


📚 Schools & Nurseries


🏢 Offices


🩺 Care settings


🫱🏽‍🫲🏿 Community venues


Tip: Combine this course with First Aid at Work or Manual Handling training for a full safety package before year-end.



Final Thoughts


Burns and fire-related injuries are all too common in the winter months, but they don’t have to be serious. Knowing how to respond in the moment can stop a minor accident from becoming a major injury.


Whether you’re a parent, team leader, or business owner, the knowledge you gain from first aid training can help keep your home, school or workplace safe.


Stay safe, stay warm, and don’t forget to review your team’s training needs before the year is out!


If you're interested in completing or refreshing First Aid Training or Fire Warden Training find all the information about the courses on our website or get in touch to discuss which courses are right for your requirements.



FAB Training – Saving Lives Together


Danny Phillips


Founder & Director



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