Firefighters urge parents all over Milton Keynes to watch and share burns prevention video

Last year in the UK nearly 15,000 people - 7,071 children and 7,695 adults - were burned or scalded. The figure relates only to the most serious burns and scalds and does not include the thousands seen by A&E departments, say Bucks Fire experts.

Local group Commander Phill Mould said: “It’s important that adults are aware of the potential hazards in their homes. These include hot drinks, kettles and pans within reach of small hands, unguarded fires and heaters, high-temperature bath water and items such as irons and hair straighteners.”

He added: "It's also important to know what to do in the event of someone suffering a burn a scald. Doing the right thing can really help the healing process."

Phill offered these safety tips:

- Keep things that can cause fire – candles, matches and lighters – or are hot – kettles, pans, hot drinks, irons and hair straighteners – out of children’s reach.

- Make sure children don’t play near fires or heaters.

- 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.

- Remember, clothing will always burn if in contact with naked flames – but some much faster than others.

- Don’t put a baby or child into a bath or sink until the water has been tested. Run cold water first before adding hot water, then test the temperature.

- Install thermostatic mixing valves in all hot water outlets.

- Store chemicals, cleaners and acids out of reach.

First things to do if someone suffers a burn – 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 for help – 999, 111 or local GP for advice.

- Cover with strips of cling film or a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or cloth. Make sure the patient is kept warm.

First things to do if your clothes are on fire – stop, drop and roll

Stop - don’t run around, you’ll make the flames worse

Drop - lie down and roll around. It makes it harder for the fire to spread

Roll - smother the flames with a heavy material, like a coat or blanket.

National Burn Awareness Day is organised by the Children’s Burns Trust, a national charity, which also supports the SafeTea campaign.