A Hot Topic For The Cold Months – Burn Prevention

Burns are one of the leading causes of childhood injuries.  In the colder months, burns become increasingly more common.  While we want to keep our little ones warm and cozy, it’s important to be vigilant about monitoring potential burn hazards in and around the home.

• Be sure that thermostats for hot water heaters are set no higher than 120° F.  Bath water should be no hotter than 100° F. If you don’t have access to your hot water heater, install a scald protector on your faucet.

• Keep hot water humidifiers far away from your children’s reach and be sure the cord is secured so they can not pull it over or unplug it. Preferably use a cool mist humidifier.

• Do not carry a baby or push a stroller while drinking a hot beverage. If you leave something hot on the counter, be sure it’s pushed far enough back so that older or taller children can’t reach up and grab it. Also avoid using tablecloths and placemats that your child can pull down.

• Place baby gates around fireplaces and wood burning stoves to keep children away from them. If your fireplace is surrounded by a grate – make sure it is secured to the wall. This is easily accomplished with a hook and eye. You can also install a fireplace guard to cushion a potential fall.

• Protect the turn-on valve for gas fireplaces to prevent children from accessing it and trying to turn it on. Also, be sure to keep fireplace tools off-limits.

• Keep space heaters out of reach and make sure they have an automatic shut-off in case they are tipped over. Same goes for halogen lamps in the home. If these tip over they can instantly ignite bedding, furniture or draperies.

• Store matches in a locked cabinet after lighting fireplaces and candles.  Never leave candles lit when a child is alone in the room. Use candles with a large base rather than tapered candles which can be easier to tip over.

• Create a “kid-free zone” around the stovetop. Remove stove knobs when not in use or place covers over them to prevent children from turning them on.

• Turn all pot handles in toward the wall or stove when cooking and never hold a baby when stirring hot foods. Steam rising up could scald a child.

• Be sure cords for slow cookers, coffee pots and other appliances are not dangling off the counter where a child could pull on them.

• Install outlet covers on all electrical outlets. Children could attempt to insert an object into an outlet which could cause an electrical burn.