Dangers in the Home

Burning Issues!

Burns and scalds are every parent's nightmare. With so many sources of heat in the average home, it's not hard to see why.

Cookers, kettles, hot plates and other appliances make the kitchen one of the most dangerous 'hotspots' in the house. With the ever-present threat of scalding, the bathroom comes a close second.

The living room fire, whether it's gas, electric or solid fuel, has been responsible for countless injuries and more than a few deaths. Even radiators, if they're not thermostatically controlled, can get hot enough to burn delicate young skin.

As always, the most effective safeguard is to remain vigilant to the dangers around you.

What you can do:

In the kitchen

  • Never leave things on the hob unattended
  • Never leave cooking pot handles hanging over the edge of the cooker – turn them towards the back
  • Don't fill the kettle with more water than you need – it will make pouring boiling water easier
  • Use a kettle lead with a short curly flex to prevent it hanging over the edge of a work surface
  • Keep young children away from the front of ovens and washing machines – they can get very hot

In the bathroom

  • Never leave young children unattended in a bath or when the bath is running. Always run hot water into cold
  • Make sure your shower has temperature control shut off that stops the flow automatically above a certain water temperature
  • Make sure heaters, heated towel rails and radiators are guarded or have individual room thermostat controls

Around the house

  • Never drink hot tea or coffee with a young baby or child on your lap
  • Never fill hot water bottles with boiling water and always make sure the cap is properly tightened
  • Keep matches and lighters where children can't get to them
  • Fit fireguards to all fires and heaters
  • Fit a smoke alarm on each floor level
  • If you do have a fire, get out, call the fire brigade AND STAY OUT

In the garden

  • Always place barbecues on a hard, level surface, well away from the house
  • Keep children away from bonfires, barbecues and any firelighting fluids

    Source:

  • 1 http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?ArticleId=1047

Dangers in the home - Section 3 of 5

Savlon's Family First Aid Guides

  • Helpful Hoiday Hints & Tips

    This guide will show you the basics of how to be prepared.

    Find out more

  • Sports first aid

    Read our guide to sporting injuries and how to prevent them.

    Find out more

Did you know?

Contrary to popular belief, putting butter on a burn can actually lead to further injury. Experts recommend running cool or tepid water over the burn for 10-30 minutes1.

 

PLEASE NOTE:
The information on this website is provided as a reference guide only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice from your pharmacist, doctor or NHS Direct. Always seek medical advice if you are unsure of the treatment required or dial 999 in an emergency.