How to keep children safe from burn injuries during the holiday season
Most burn injuries are preventable. Here are tips on how to prevent burns around the home.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces can get very hot. Keep children away from open fires and the glass of gas, electric and wood-burning fireplaces. The glass can get hot enough to cause a burn and can take hours to completely cool. Install barriers around fireplaces, like fire screens, if your children are not old enough to understand the risks. Never leave your child alone near a fireplace.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas that can cause poisoning and even death. 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 catch fire away from them or a fire could start. Keep your child away from extension cords. Never run these cords inside walls or under rugs or furniture.
Christmas trees
Real Christmas trees can catch fire when they are dried out. Keep your tree watered, and throw it out when it starts turning brown or dries out. Keep real and artificial trees away from candles, fireplaces, heating vents, TVs and other sources of heat. Use decorations that will not burn and are flame resistant.
Open flame
Open flames can be as hot as 1400°C (2552°F) and cause major burns in seconds. Keep candles away from your child and any items that could catch fire. Place candles in stable candle holders that are large enough to collect dripping wax, and avoid wearing loose clothing that can catch fire around lit candles.
Scalds
Hot liquids
Hot liquids are a common beverage of choice, but they can also be a major cause of burn injuries in young children. Burns that are caused by contact with a hot liquid are called scalds.
Place hot drinks out of reach of children. Test the temperature of hot food and drinks before giving it to your children to ensure it is warm and not hot. Do not let your child eat or drink hot items over their lap or in the car. Instead, always eat and drink at a table to prevent hot items from falling onto your child. Never hold a child when drinking a hot liquid or while cooking.
Steam inhalation
Inhaling steam can be beneficial when your child has a cough or cold, but there are dangers to direct steam inhalation. Never have a child lean over a bowl of hot water, as the bowl may tip into their lap leading to severe scalds. Instead, try having your child sit in a warm bath or under a shower to create steam to relieve congestion. You can also use a warm or cool mist humidifier. If using a warm mist humidifier, ensure that it placed far from your child in a place they cannot touch it.
For more information on scalds, see Scald prevention.
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. Make sure that you are using the right lights in the right place, as indoor lights are not weatherproofed for the outdoors, and outdoor lights may burn too hot for the indoors. If you can, use LED lights that create much less heat.