Fires and other accidents taking place at your home can cause burns to you or your little ones. These situations often occur unexpectedly. However, taking the time to be prepared to prevent such accidents is a better option.

Basic burns prevention

Supervision is the only reliable way that can help in preventing accidents with things that burn.

  • You must always supervise children in the kitchen, around hot surfaces like stoves, ovens, microwaves and other appliances.
  • Being aware of common risks can help you to prevent burns indoors and to avoid them.
  • Avoid leaving the kitchen unattended, particularly if you’re using pots and pans, toasters, sandwich makers and rice cookers.
  • Your children’s play areas should be away from your kitchen.
  • While cooking, use the back burners on the stove first.
  • Turn handles on pots and pans towards the backside of the stove.
  • If possible, install a guard around your stove.
  • Make sure that cords of the kettle don’t hang down within reach of your child.
  • Prefer using appliances having short cords.
  • Always store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet, away from children.
  • Avoid using a microwave oven to warm baby bottles as the liquid heats unevenly and can scald your baby’s mouth.
  • Always supervise children carefully when they are any naked flames, like gas burners and candles.

References

  1. Burns: Preventing Burns in Your Home[Internet]. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/burns-preventing-burns-in-your-home/. Accessed on Aug 31, 2020.
  2. Burns prevention in your home[Internet]. Available at: https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/safety/burns-scalds-fire/burns-prevention. Accessed on Aug 31, 2020.