AHN West Penn Burn Center Urges Winter Burn Safety

PITTSBURGH - With Punxsutawney Phil's Groundhog Day forecast of six more weeks of winter, the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) West Penn Burn Center is providing winter burn safety tips to help the community safely manage the rest of the cold weather season.

As temperatures remain low, the Burn Center often sees an increase in injuries related to frostbite, scalding liquids and improper use of home heating devices. With the recent cold snaps and dangerously low temperatures across the region, the Burn Center at West Penn has already treated more than 20 cases of frostbite since the start of 2026.

"It's a common misconception that burn injuries primarily occur in the summer," said Shelby Carver, physician assistant with AHN West Penn Burn Center. "However, the colder months introduce a different array of hazards that can lead to severe and life-altering burns. We want to ensure our community is well-informed and taking proactive steps to prevent these types of injuries."

Winter-related burn incidents frequently stem from:

• Frostbite: While not a typical burn, severe frostbite can cause tissue damage similar to a deep burn, requiring specialized care.
• Scalds: Hot beverages, soups and cooking liquids are common culprits, especially with children and older adults.
• Home Heating Appliances: Space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces can cause contact burns or ignite nearby flammable materials if not used and maintained correctly.

The AHN West Penn Burn Center, a regional leader in comprehensive burn care, treats patients of all ages for a wide range of burn injuries. The expert team emphasizes that prevention is the most effective approach to reducing the incidence of these painful and often debilitating injuries.

To help the community stay safe this winter, the AHN West Penn Burn Center offers the following essential safety tips:

Protecting Against Frostbite:

• Dress in layers when going outdoors in cold weather, and ensure all exposed skin is covered.
• Limit time spent outdoors in extreme cold, especially if winds are high.
• Be aware of the signs of frostbite, which include numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin and a waxy texture. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect frostbite.

Preventing Scalds:

• Always use back burners when cooking on the stove and turn pot handles inward.
• Never leave hot liquids unattended, especially when children or pets are present.
• Test bathwater temperature with your elbow or a thermometer before placing a child in the tub.
• Consider lowering your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) or below to prevent accidental scalding.

Safe Use of Home Heating Devices:

• Keep a 3-foot clear zone around all heating equipment, including space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces. This includes furniture, drapes, bedding and anything else that can burn.
• Never leave space heaters unattended, especially overnight or when leaving the house.
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet; never use an extension cord or power strip, as this can lead to overheating and fire.
• Have chimneys and wood stoves inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional.
• Use a sturdy screen in front of fireplaces to prevent sparks from flying out.

In the event of a burn injury, seek immediate medical attention. For minor burns, cool the burn with cool (not cold) water for several minutes. Do not apply ice or other types of home remedies. Cover with a clean, dry dressing. For more severe burns, call 911 immediately.

Patients who suspect they may have a burn injury and need specialized care can report to the AHN West Penn Emergency Department 24/7. Burn Center clinicians are readily available for consultation to provide specialized care for burn-specific injuries.

The Burn Center at AHN's West Penn Hospital provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for adult and pediatric burn patients. The center offers advanced medical and surgical treatments, rehabilitation services and emotional support to help patients recover and regain their quality of life.