FIRE PREVENTION

Scald Prevention
Scald burns are the number one cause of burn injury in children under four. Scald burns can be a lifethreatening injury.

• Do not place hot water bottles with infants or children. These bottles have been known to burst causing severe scalds.
• Do not let children play with water controls on faucets. Always check water temperature before placing a child in a bath. Never leave a child in a bath unattended.
• Check your water heater temperature. Do not have it turned to “Hot” or above 125ºF.
• Do not let children play in the kitchen while cooking. Make the kitchen a “no play” zone. Use high chairs or playpens to keep small children safe.
• Use back burners when cooking. Always turn handles on pots towards the back of the stove.
• Do not place hot beverages or soups near edges of counters or tabletops. Toddlers can reach and climb faster and higher than you think.
• Avoid using tablecloths. They can be pulled causing hot foods to fall onto children.
• Do not hold children while eating hot foods.
• Ask restaurant servers not to serve food or beverages over or around children.

Thermal & Electrical Burn Prevention

• Do not hold children while ironing. Never leave a hot iron unattended.
• Never leave a child unattended near any fire including fireplaces, barbeques, campfires and candles. Keep children confined to an area away from these flame sources.
• Avoid use of portable space heaters.
• Use caution in older homes with floor heater vents. A toddler can easily walk across them.
• Keep matches, lighters and fireworks out of reach.
• Do not smoke while holding children. Set a safe and healthy example.
• Keep cords from irons, rice cookers/steamers, coffee pots, curling irons and other hot appliances from dangling within reach of children.
• Do not let children use microwave ovens or cooking ranges.
• Make sure unused outlets are plugged with approved outlet covers.
• Keep flammable liquids (gasoline, paints, alcohol, lighter fluid, etc.) locked away from children.
• Dress children in tight-fitting, flame-resistant pajamas.
• Teach children about fire safety including the meaning of “hot.” Install and maintain smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Teach children how to “stop, drop and roll.”
• Have home fire drills and practice escape routes.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Use sun block and reapply frequently.
• Keep shoes on children when walking in the sand. Fire coals at the beach, buried beneath the sand, can stay hot for many hours.