Burn injuries are among the most common accidents involving children, and the majority are preventable. But as parents, we can follow some child safety precautions to prevent burn injuries. Whether caused by hot water, open flames, or household chemicals, these injuries have long-lasting physical and emotional effects.
Understanding potential hazards and implementing preventative measures greatly reduces the risk to your children. Use these child safety precautions to prevent burn injuries and create a safer home environment.
Adjust Water Heater Temperature
Scalding from hot water is more common than one may think. Water temperatures over 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) cause serious burns in a matter of seconds. Check your water heater and adjust the thermostat to a safe temperature setting of 120 degrees or lower.
This simple child safety precaution prevents burn injuries even if your child accidentally turns on the hot tap, the water will not reach dangerous temperatures. Regularly test the water temperature in sinks and tubs to confirm the safety of your adjustments.
Use Stove Guards To Prevent Burns
The kitchen is a hazardous space for curious children, and the stove is often the source of accidental burns. Installing stove guards creates a barrier between your child and hot burners or pots.
Additionally, always use the back burners when cooking and turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk of spills. Supervising your child while you’re in the kitchen is essential, but having safeguards in place adds an extra layer of security when your attention is diverted.
Keep Hot Items Out of Reach
Hot beverages, curling irons, and appliances like kettles and irons pose a major risk if left within a child’s reach. Place these items on high surfaces or behind barriers while they are in use or cooling off.
Make it a habit to use non-slip mats or coasters for hot beverages, especially on tables where children may try to pull or climb. Educating older children about the risks of handling hot items and modeling safe behavior further reinforces these precautions.
Put Up Gates
Open flames, whether from outdoor patio heaters, fireplaces, or grills, pose a particular danger to young children. Improving safety and maintenance for outdoor patio heaters requires gates or barriers to keep little ones at a safe distance and prevent toppling of these structures. If you enjoy outdoor cooking, always supervise your child and ensure grills (aff link) sit on stable ground, well away from areas where children play.
Store Chemicals Safely
Household chemicals, such as cleaning agents, drain cleaners, and even some skin products, cause severe chemical burns if spilled on the skin. Always store these items in locked cupboards or cabinets out of your child’s reach.
For extra safety, use child-proof containers and clearly label all hazardous products. Keep emergency contact information, including Poison Control, easily accessible in case of accidental exposure.
Preventing burn injuries requires a home environment with minimized risks through thoughtful precautions to prevent burn injuries. Make these adjustments to your home to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Small changes lead to life-changing results. Take the next step today to safeguard your home and protect your child from preventable harm.
