All Health Topics

Burn awareness and prevention for children guide

Published Feb. 17, 2012
• Reviewed by a UI Health Care Provider

Burn awareness and prevention

From birth to one year 

  • Install smoke alarms in or near bedrooms, check them monthly and change batteries twice a year.
  • Never microwave bottles--it heats unevenly.
  • Never leave children unattended while food is being prepared.
  • Never store anything flammable on stovetop.
  • Never eat or drink hot foods or liquids while holdingor carrying an infant.
  • Test all warm liquids and foods before feeding.
  • Shorten electrical cords by coiling them; do not allow them to dangle.
  • Do not use tablecloths.
  • Always keep cooking utensil handles turned to back of stove.
  • Keep highchairs, chairs, and playpens away from stoves and counters.
  • Walkers are dangerous, remove wheels or do not use.
  • Use safety plugs in all unused outlets.
  • Limit time in sun--babies burn easily, use sunscreen (at least 30 SPF).
  • Only use cool mist vaporizers, keep them a safe distance from crib.
  • Use space heaters that have an automatic shut off switch in case of accidental tip over.
  • Allow three feet between a space heater and anything flammable.
  • Keep candles, potpourri, matches, cigarettes, etc., out of reach.
  • Run cool water first for tub, then warm until desired temperature.
  • Test tub water with wrist, elbow, or special thermometer.
  • Face child away from faucet and toward opposite end of tub.
  • Set water heater temperature at 120 degrees F.
  • Store chemicals/cleaners in original containers and out of reach or locked up.
  • Keep baby equipment out of direct sunlight; metal and plastic parts can cause burns.
  • Always dress your baby in non-flammable sleepwear.

Toddlers: From one to three years

  • Never leave children unattended in kitchen while food is cooking.
  • Never allow a child to stand on chair near the stove while you are cooking.
  • Never leave hot iron unattended on ironing board.
  • Never store snacks on or above stove, children may try to get them.
  • Never leave cigarettes, matches, lighters, etc., in reach of children.
  • Never store flammable items on stovetop.
  • Never allow electrical appliances in or near bathtub.
  • Never leave a child alone in the house.
  • Install functioning smoke alarms in or near bedrooms; check them monthly and change batteries twice a year.
  • Establish a three-foot "No Zone" around all hot appliances: stove, fireplace, barbecue, heaters, etc.
  • Do not allow young children to pour or handle hot liquids or food.
  • Do not allow children to play with pots and pans, they cannot tell when they are hot or not.
  • Do not use tablecloths; children can pull hot foods, candles, potpourri, etc. onto them.
  • Always have shoes on your child when outside; hot sidewalks, sand, cigarettes, campfires, etc. can cause burns.
  • Store chemicals and cleaners in original containers and out of reach or locked up. Never store in pop bottlers or other "drink type containers."
  • Install safety plugs in all unused outlets.
  • Use button or knob covers for stove.
  • Always keep cooking utensil handles turned to the back to stove and use back burners to cook.
  • Keep electrical cords short by coiling them; do not allow them to dangle.
  • Keep water heater temperature at 120 degrees F.
  • Run cool tub first, then add warm until desired temperature.
  • Monitor while taking a bath. Do not leave alone.
  • Always use sunscreen, (at least 30 SPF) when outside, even on cloudy days.
  • Use safety decals on bottom of tub, to prevent falls.
  • Do not keep flammable liquids in your home.
  • Use only cool mist vaporizers, and keep them a safe distance from bed or crib.
  • Use space heaters that have an automatic shut off switch for accidental tip over.
  • Always use non-flammable sleepwear.

Preschool: From three to five years 

  • Continue adequate supervision.
  • Discourage game playing, (hide and seek, tag, etc.) around heat or fire sources such as stoves, heaters, barbecues, fireplaces, etc.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of reach, and purchase only child-resistant lighters.
  • If you smoke, never leave lit cigarettes unattended.
  • Begin to educate your child on fire safety, escape routes, and the "stop, drop, and roll" technique.
  • Practice and reinforce these fire safety rules often with your child.
  • Do not give hot foods or liquids to your child, allow items to cool.
  • Do not carry hot foods or liquids and your child at the same time.
  • Do not attempt to carry hot foods or liquids with toddlers underfoot.
  • Do not use tablecloths, as they are too easily pulled off.
  • Keep fire extinguishers in your home, check the pressure often.
  • Be a good role model, children mimic adults.
  • Never allow children to handle fireworks.
  • Use only flame-retardant and noncombustible costumes for Halloween.
  • Teach children that matches and lighters are tools for adults, and when they are older you will show them how to use them properly.
  • Always use non-flammable sleepwear.

Grade school 

  • Teach your child how to call 911 and what to say.
  • Instruct your child on using matches and lighters safely and responsibly.
  • Begin to instruct your child on safe cooking methods:
    • Wear short or close fitting sleeves to avoid catching on fire.
    • Turn pot handles to back.
    • If grease fire starts: cover the pan, turn off burners, do not try to move pan.
    • Never put water on grease fire.
    • Lift lids away from you, to allow steam to escape.
    • Use oven mitts to move pans or lift lids.
    • No playing around while cooking.
     
  • Place microwave at level safe for your child to use.
  • Teach microwave safety:
    • Use move mitts to remove items, containers get hot.
    • Stir food before eating, center is hot.
    • Allow popcorn bags to cool a little before opening, then do so away from you.
     
  • Instruct children about coiling cords or using short ones, and the "no dangle" rule.
  • Teach children not to "warm up" by or near fireplaces, heaters, or fires.
  • Teach your child electrical safety:
    • Do not climb on electrical poles or towers.
    • Do not climb over fences that surround electrical substations.
    • Do not fly kites near electric power lines.
    • Do not attempt to retrieve kite if caught in power lines.
    • Do not climb trees near power lines.
     
  • Teach your child proper use of extension cords: do not overload, do not run under carpets, run behind furniture, etc.
  • Use only flame-retardant and noncombustible costumes for Halloween.
  • Be a good role model.
  • Involve children in planning and practicing safety and fire drills.
  • Always dress in non-flammable sleepwear.

Teenage safety 

  • Allow lawnmower engines to cool before refueling.
  • Work on cars outdoors only, gasoline vapors may ignite.
  • Never open radiator cap if car overheats, allow to cool.
  • Use caution with hair dryers and long hair, hair can be pulled into motor and catch fire.
  • Use caution with curling irons.
  • Avoid too much sun--use adequate sunscreen and/or clothing.
  • Use caution when using hobby glues and finishes; vapors can ignite or cause loss of consciousness.
  • Inquire about fire and safety issues for any new job.
  • Do not use fireworks.
  • Use matches and lighters with caution.
  • Never throw aerosol cans in a fire, they can explode.
  • Never ignite vapors from aerosol cans, they can explode.
  • Never use gasoline to start a fire.
  • Never smoke while refueling a car.
  • Never smoke while using an aerosol can (hairspray, paint, etc.).
  • Always use ashtrays for cigarettes and matches.
  • Do not wear loose clothing around open flames.
  • No fooling around or fighting while cooking.
  • Learn what to do when smoke alarm goes off:
    • Yell FIRE! Warn anyone who may be home.
    • Follow preplanned escape routes.
    • Do not try to save anything (CDs, jewelry, pets, etc.) except yourself.
    • If you see smoke, keep low, crawl, take short breaths or use wet cloth over nose or mouth.
    • Feel doors, if hot, do not open, find alternate route.
    • Do not re-enter until told to do so by an adult.
     
  • Babysitting Safety:
    • Know contact phone numbers.
    • Ask about escape plan.
    • Never leave child alone.
    • Don't smoke.
    • Ask about cooking privileges.
    • Never carry hot foods or liquids and a child at the same time.
    • No loose or large sleeves while cooking.
    • Never leave child alone in the kitchen.
    • Do not allow child under foot while cooking.
    • If bathing a child, gather all supplies prior to bath.
    • Run cold water first, then add warm.
    • Test water with wrist or thermometer.
    • If you need to leave bathroom, take child with you.
     

Family safety

Develop a plan of escape, know two ways out of every room, and practice at least every six months.

Electrical outlets and cords

  • Do not overload outlets or cords.
  • Keep safety plugs in unused outlets.
  • Connect only one heat-producing appliance (toaster, coffee maker, etc.) per outlet.
  • Do not run cords under carpets or rugs.
  • Do not use frayed or broken cords.
  • Keep cords out of high traffic areas.
  • Run cords behind furniture.

Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves

  • Always use a screen.
  • Build small fires only.
  • Don't burn paper or trash, sparks can fly.
  • Have your chimney inspected and cleaned yearly.
  • Burn only dry, seasoned hardwood.
  • Remove ashes in metal container and store them outside.
  • Never leave children alone with fire.

Smoke alarms

  • Test them monthly.
  • Never paint them.
  • Clean them frequently.
  • Install them outside all bedrooms.
  • Install them on each level, including basement.
  • Change batteries twice a year.
  • Install special units for visual/hearing impaired.
  • "Chirping" indicates low battery.
  • Never "borrow" batteries from smoke detectors.

Space heaters

  • Keem them three feet away from anything flammable, including walls.
  • Use only recommended fuel.
  • Cool unit before adding fuel.
  • Refill fuel in vented area.
  • Turn off before leaving home or going to bed.
  • Do not use an extension cord on unit.
  • Use an electric heater that has automatic shut off for accidental tip overs.

Kitchens

  • Never leave food cooking on stove unsupervised.
  • Never leave young children alone in the kitchen.
  • Turn all panhandles to back of stove.
  • Have fire extinguisher nearby, not over stove.
  • Keep cords on appliances short by coiling them.
  • Never store flammable items on stove.
  • Never store snacks on or above stove.
  • Do not plug appliances into stovetop outlet, cords could catch fire.
  • Wear short or rolled, tight fitting sleeves while cooking.
  • Always have a lid handy in case of grease fires.
  • Use only rubber-backed area rugs in kitchen.
  • Fasten oven door so child will not use it as a step.
  • Do not use area rugs near stove.
  • Cook on rear burners.

Microwaves

  • Never use metal or aluminum foil.
  • Do not use glass or ceramic with metal trims; they can cause lip burns or sparks.
  • If fire occurs, unplug, do not open door.
  • Never place eggs in shell in microwave.
  • Use oven mitts to remove food.
  • Never let young children (under 7) remove hot food.
  • Use caution when heating jelly donuts, jelly becomes extremely hot.
  • Never run when empty.
  • Open microwave popcorn bag away from face.
  • Always stir food before serving, there may be hot spots.
  • Always check food temperature before giving to young children.
  • Use only microwave safe containers.

Miscellaneous

  • Burn candles in appropriate containers only.
  • Set water heater temperature at no more than 120 degrees.
  • Do not flush toilets or run other water sources while shower is in use.
  • Wet contents of ashtrays before disposing.
  • Never store gasoline in your home.
  • Always store chemicals in the original containers, keep out of reach of children.
  • Never use gasoline as a cleaner or remover.
  • Never prime a carburetor with gasoline.
  • Keep baby equipment out of direct sunlight, plastic and metal parts can get very hot in the sun.
  • Have furnace and chimney inspected and cleaned yearly.
  • Use cool mist vaporizers only and keep safe distance from bed or crib.
  • Use charcoal lighter fluid to soak charcoal, never re-soak after lighting, because the can may explode.
  • Never use gasoline for charcoal.
  • Have water source nearby with any open burning.
  • Never allow children around an open fire.
  • Purchase only non-flammable sleep wear.
  • Wear shoes or sandals outside: cigarettes, sand, pavement, asphalt, tar, etc. can all cause burns.
  • Never carry gasoline in your trunk.
  • Seat belt buckles get hot and can cause contact burn.
  • Overnight guests should be made aware of fire exit plan.

Bathroom

  • Bath time is not playtime.
  • Water temperature: no more than 120 degrees.
  • Do not leave child alone.
  • Run cold water first for tub, then warm.
  • Check with thermometer or wrist, prior to entering tub.
  • Face child away from faucet.
  • Have clearly marked Hot and Cold faucets.
  • Do not leave personal appliances near sinks or bathtubs. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFI) will disconnect if appliance is dropped in water.
  • Never use space heater in bathroom.
  • Keep chemicals (cleaners, hair dyes, etc.) in original containers and out of reach.
  • Dry hands before touching electrical appliances.
  • Install slide-bolt latch on upper, outside bathroom door to keep toddlers out and safe.