How to keep children safe from burn injuries during the holiday season
Most burn injuries are preventable.
Most burns occur during winter. Here are tips on how to prevent burns around the home.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces can get very hot. Gas fireplaces get hot quickly. Keep your children away from fireplaces. Always use a fire screen. Never leave your children alone near a fireplace.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colourless gas that can cause poisoning. Install a carbon monoxide detector to protect your family. Natural gas appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, dryers, and fireplaces need ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Do not place objects that might restrict airflow on or near these appliances. If you have concerns, call your gas company.
Extension cords
Extension cords can get hot. Keep items that can burn away from them or a fire could start. Keep your children away from extension cords. Never run these cords inside walls, or under any rugs or furniture.
Christmas trees
Christmas trees can cause fire when they are dried out. Keep your tree away from candles, fireplaces, heating vents, TVs, and other sources of heat. Keep your tree watered. Throw it out when it starts turning brown or dries out. Use decorations that will not burn and are flame resistant.
Open flame
Open flames can be as hot as 1400°C and cause major burns in seconds. Keep candles away from your children and any items that could catch fire. Place candles in stable candle holders that are large enough to collect dripping wax.
Decorative lighting
Lighting can cause fire and burns. Always check light strings for wear or damage before using them. Replace worn sets. Look for the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or equivalent label from your country. This label means the lights were tested for fire hazards. If you can, use LED lights that create much less heat.
Burn first aid
Cool the burn
Hold the burned or scalded area under cold water for at least 10 minutes. |
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Cover the burn
Use a clean dry cloth to lightly cover the burn. |
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Call 911
Call for help if the burn is large or on the face, hands, feet or groin. |
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Don’t use ice
Putting ice on a burn can cause frostbite and further damage the skin. |
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Don’t apply ointments
No butter, toothpaste, lotions, ointments, or other creams. Applying ointments could prevent proper healing. |
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Don’t break blisters
Broken blisters are more likely to get infected. |
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