Burns

• Hot liquids-not fire- are the most common cause of burns to your children. Hot water can cause serious, painful scald burns!

• Keep hot foods and drinks away from the edge of tables and counters. Do not put them on a tablecloth that little hands can yank.

   

• If you're holding something hot, don't hold your child too.

• When you cook, keep your child away from the stove. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. If possible, use rear burners. Watch for dangling appliance cords.

   

• Install plastic knob covers for front stove burners. Most large discount stores carry these products for a dollar or two.

   

• Child proof your home with some of the following steps:

   

  Get on your hands and knees to look for dangers at the child's level.

  List the dangers such as electrical outlets, matches, frayed electrical cords and baseboard heaters and steam radiators.

  Eliminate the dangers: cover outlets with child proof plastic covers, put away matches, repair or replace electrical cords, and consult your local appliance store to cover baseboard heaters and steam radiators.

  Remember to continue childproofing as your child grows. Objects previously out of reach may now be cause for concern.

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• Most young children love to explore indoors. They climb furniture, look in cabinets, dig through the clothes basket. But, as they get older their interests include the outdoors.

• Birds, trees, lakes and parks delight children of all ages. But for toddlers unaware of the dangers lurking, you are the child's best defense. Among the dangers you should prepare for are flea bites, ticks, and bee stings.

   

• Fleas and ticks carry parasites which can enter your child's bloodstream following a bite. Bee stings can be fatal if your child is allergic. Therefore a couple of rules of thumb follow:

   

• Check your child from head to toe following outdoor activities. Comb out the hair, look in the ears, behind the knees and notice any bites or discolorations.

   

• If you find anything questionable call your local health professional, doctor or nurse.

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Water Safety

• Children under five years are at a high risk of drowning. It takes only an inch of water and a few seconds (not minutes) for a child to drown.

   

• Children have drowned in bathtubs, toilets, mop buckets, wading pools, and other liquid containers. Therefore, it is important that you never leave a child unattended, even for a moment, in or near any water receptacle.

   

• Teach children to let you adjust the bath water temperature. Many children are burned by hot bath water. Contact your local gas company to set your hot water heater at 120° F. This will reduce the chances of burning, save energy costs and possibly earn you a rebate from your gas company.

   

• Young children are top heavy and unsteady. This can be a fatal combination near water. Keep toilet lids down, empty mop buckets, pails and wading pools when they are not being used. Never leave young children unattended!

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