Child safety can be complicated and nerve-wracking. It means thinking ahead, preparing for unexpected emergencies and “what if” scenarios. We've touched on kitchen burn safety briefly in our Thanksgiving safety guide.

It is important to steer children away from potential burn hazards. Just like we've done for car seat safety and home babyproofing, let's explore the issue of burn safety. 

Child Safety Store Guide to Burn Safety

When it comes to burn safety, it pays to be prepared. Here are some ways to keep kids safe around heat and flames.

Hot Food and Cooking

This should go without saying, but let's say it anyway: never leave a child unattended near a stove that is, or recently was, in operation. A hot stove is a serious danger for curious kids. Keep handles from pots turned in toward the center or back of the stove so that they are out of reach. 

Once the food is prepared, be sure to keep any hot food on the back burners of the stove. Anything hot should be kept away from the edge of the counter. Above all, you want to prevent anything from being accidentally pulled down.

Speaking of pulling things down, it is best not to use a tablecloth around small children. This fabric can be yanked by curious children, potentially bringing food or lit candles raining down upon them. 

Finally, once a meal is on the table, test any hot food or drinks before offering them to young children.

Check Appliances

Most electric appliances in your home can get pretty hot. When left on or unattended, they can become unexpected burn hazards. Be mindful of all the appliances throughout your home. This includes everything from your clothing iron to your hair-straightening iron. Your tea kettle heats water to boiling temperature. Your dishwasher releases hot steam when opened after a cycle. Never leave a child unattended around these items.

When an appliance isn't in use, it is best to unplug them. If possible, move them out of sight and out of mind. Children are observant. After watching you or other adults in action, they may attempt to activate these appliances without proper supervision. This behavior can quickly become dangerous.

Natural Heat / Playing Outside 

In nicer weather, children love to roam free in the playground. As parents, it's important to encourage this exploration... but there are a few things you should keep in mind. Burn safety doesn't stop for recess.

In warmer climates, the sun can become dangerous. When the sun is overhead, be careful of play items like metal swings, monkey bars or even plastic slides. After hours under the blazing sun, these fun play items can turn the day from fun to scary pretty quickly. The surface of this playground equipment can heat up and burn your child’s hands and feet. For that matter, so can pavement and sand. So be careful of barefooted children running on the heated ground as well. Test these surfaces with your fingers first.  

Prevention: Thinking Ahead 

Burn safety is always worth keeping in mind. It is possible to reduce the risks of burning or scalding by staying vigilant. A little care and forethought can go a long way.

For instance:

• Establish a set of rules for your children by determining what parts of the house are off-limits. This should include fireplaces, fire pits, radiators, ovens and more. Consider safety gates on the entrance to these rooms in order to physically separate the child from hot items.
• Check your car for hot leather seats or burning metal seat buckles before your child gets into the vehicle.
• Check bathtubs for water temperature.