How To Prevent Burns And Scalds With Children

Children are likely to spend most of the first few years at home, and it's here that they have most of their accidents. Some safety precautions benefit both adults and children, but others are specifically geared towards children.

The most common household accidents involving children are burns and scalds. Homes are full of potential sources of burning, including open fires, electric, paraffin or gas fires, the cooker, the electric kettle and other kitchen appliances, electric gadgets and lighting throughout the house, the hot water supply, cigarettes, matches and candles.

Open fires must always be guarded with a fireguard safely secured in place. Children are fascinated by flames, yet don't understand their danger. Never let them poke a fire or throw things on to it. Never hang washing to dry or air over a fireguard. If you use a paraffin heater, put it where it can't be knocked over and never move it when it's lighted.

Young children find cookers intriguing, especially when they can smell something cooking and want to see what's inside the pan or to stir the contents themselves. Install a hob or cooker guard so that pans can't be pulled off and turn pan handles inwards so a child can't readily knock them or catch hold of them. Keep your child out of the way when you're handling hot pans or dishes and when the oven door is open.

Consider installing smoke alarms and buying a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket. The extinguisher should be kept somewhere central and easily accessible, such as on a wall in the hall. The kitchen isn't a good place to keep it because fires often start there and you may not be able to reach it in an emergency. When they are old enough to understand, it's a good idea to discuss with your children what you would do if there were a fire in your home. The most important rule is to get everyone out of the house and to a safe place. Then you should call the fire department. When you are responsible for children, your first job is to look after them, not to try to put out the fire.

Your hot water supply is best heated to a temperature that won't ever be too hot for the child if she turns the tap on. When running a bath, always run the cold water first and take care that your child never jumps into the bath before you've checked that the water isn't too hot.

Most children love to play with matches and lighters, so keep them well out of sight and reach. If you smoke, make sure your cigarette butts are always put out and empty ashtrays after use. Outside, don't let young children play near a bonfire and make sure that any garden fire is put out at night.

By: Jim S Dean

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Jim S. Dean is a stay at home father, freelance writer, and webmaster with an interest in a wide range of subjects. Visit his latest website Drawing Games.