Tips for Preventing Burns in Children
Burns are among the most serious injuries in children, with hot liquids being the most common cause. A little attention can prevent a big disaster. So, what is permissible and what is forbidden to do, and how can we help ourselves save our household from danger?
- Are you approaching bath time for the kids? When opening the water, check the heat level. When adjusting the water for bathing, always open the cold water tap first. If it is a baby, whose skin is thin, the damage from a burn can be extremely dangerous. At the end of the bath, be sure to first close the hot water tap and only then the cold water tap, as the next person to turn on the tap may get a burst of scalding water that could cause burns.
- Do not leave a water tap open in the bathroom unattended. A small turn by the child's hand can take control away from you. Of course, never leave even for a moment the toddler alone.
Besides the risk of burns, there is also the risk of drowning. We tend to think that danger lurks only for toddlers, but even five-six-year-old children are still young.
- In winter of 2014, a baby from Jerusalem burned to death after the room she was sleeping in went up in flames due to a blanket touching a heater. Never leave a flame-based heater on throughout the night, as well as electrical devices unattended. A smoke detector in the home can prevent disasters and save lives. It is an inexpensive purchase.
- More than half of burns are caused by hot liquid. Therefore, it is advisable to set the thermostat inside the electric heater so the maximum temperature is between 49 and 52 degrees Celsius.
- A common occurrence among children, but can also happen to adults unintentionally, is pulling on electrical cords. To prevent children from pulling on the electric kettle cord, it is recommended to shorten it and keep it away from the edge of the counter.
- And while we're on the subject of pulling objects, make sure to prevent the possibility of pulling the tablecloth, pot handles, drink glasses. Do not remove trays from a hot oven onto the floor and certainly do not leave hot pots on the floor or within children's reach.
- When cooking, make sure pots and pan handles face inward and if possible, use back burners. Do not allow a child to reach the hot oven, do not hold a hot drink, dish, or heaven forbid, a match while you are holding a child. A small movement by the baby or the adult holding them can cause burns.
