In 2020 in the UK over 8,000 children were seriously burned or scalded, needing treatment in a specialist burns unit. Outlined here some simple burns prevention safety guidance - the do’s and don'ts!
DO:
DO NOT:
- Do install smoke alarms on each floor of your house and test regularly
- Do keep hot drinks out of reach of babies and young children
- Do make and practise Fire Escape Plans with the whole family
- Do run COLD water first in the bath or sink before adding hot water – test the temperature
- Do install thermostatic mixing valves in all hot water outlets
- Do keep saucepans at the back of the stove NOT near the front – turn handles to the back
- Do keep kettles, irons, hair straighteners or wires out of reach
- Do keep secure fire screens in front of open fires, heaters & radiators
- Do store matches and lighters out of reach
- Do store chemicals, cleaners and acids out of reach
DO NOT:
- Don't drink hot drinks while nursing/holding a baby or child
- Don't put a baby or child into a bath or sink until the water has been tested
- Don't warm baby bottles in the microwave
- Don't leave hair straighteners unattended
- Don't allow children near BBQs or garden chemicals
- Don't allow children near fireworks
- Don't leave children unattended in the kitchen, bathroom or near fires and heaters
LifeFirst provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. LifeFirst is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.
