Children skin is much thinner than an adult’s and burns more quickly and deeply. Hot liquid such as hot bath water, hot drinks and with flames or hot objects, such as the cooker, iron, or hair straighteners, are all potential hazards. Biting on electrical cords or sticking fingers or objects in electrical outlets can cause electrical burns. Burns and scalds can cause death and serious injuries to children.
Approximately 2,000 children suffer burns at home each year.
How to prevent it
- Avoid drinking hot drinks while holding a child
- Keep children away from the oven, in particular turn pan handles in so they can’t be reached
- Check the temperature of liquids before letting children near them, such as the bath water
- Ensure children are supervised around electrical equipment that get hot to touch
- Teach your children to never put their fingers or objects in electrical outlets and cover unused sockets with a safety plug
- Keep electrical cables secure and against the wall
- Fire around the home such as fireworks, matches, lighters or barbeques is extremely dangerous. Teach children to stay away from fire
