Fire, Flame, Burns & Scalds
Injuries from burns and scalds are responsible for the longest hospital stays out of all injury hospitalizations. Burns and scalds require long and extensive medical care, are very painful and may leave permanent scarring and a loss of function. These injuries can be a result of fire or flame from candles, lighters, barbeques or fireplaces, hot appliances such as kettles, toasters or curling irons, and hot liquids such as a bottle of milk, bath water, or a hot beverage such as tea.
Burn & Scald Prevention
Simple safety measures can be taken to ensure a child does not suffer an injury due to a burn or scald. Participate in active supervision of your child at all times. Other actions to reduce the risk of an injury due to a burn or scald include:
- Lower the temperature of your hot water heater to 49°C. A young child’s skin is much more sensitive than adults and will burn much more quickly.
- Replace tablecloths with place mats, or use clips to secure a table cloth in place. If a child pulls on the tablecloth to help them stand or walk, they can pull hot dishes, appliances and liquids onto themselves.
- Cover all electrical outlets with child-resistant covers. Keep electrical cords for hot appliances such as toasters, kettles, curling or straightening irons and slow cookers out of reach of children.
- Keep all lighters and matches locked in a cupboard out of sight and reach of children. Never burn candles unattended by an adult.
- Choose snug-fitting sleepwear for infants and toddlers. Loose and baggy sleepwear will catch fire more easily.
- Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Test them monthly and replace batteries every six months.
For more information on burn and scald prevention in your home, please visit the link below:
3 Minute Drill - Government of Alberta (2011)
http://www.3minutedrill.alberta.ca
Sun Safety
It is important for children to explore the natural world and play in the fresh air; however, special caution must be taken to protect children from harmful sun exposure. Always use sunscreen and reapply it often. Do not apply sunscreen to babies under six months of age. Use long sleeves, long pants, and hats made of light material to protect children from the sun. Look for places with lots of shade, such as parks with large trees or take an umbrella to the beach. Always keep your baby in the shade.
For more information on sun safety, please visit the links below.
Babies, Children and Sun Safety - Consumer Product Safety, Health Canada (2007)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/pubs/sun-sol/babies_child-bebes_enfant-eng.php
Sun Safety - Consumer Product Safety, Health Canada (2007)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/pubs/sun-sol/safety-prudence-eng.php
Links
For more information on burn and scald prevention, please visit the links below.
CONSUMER PRODUCTS SAFETY, HEALTH CANADA
Babies, Children and Sun Safety (2007)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/pubs/sun-sol/babies_child-bebes_enfant-eng.php
Batteries: Use Them Safely (2006)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/batteries-piles-eng.php
Be Careful with Lighters and Matches (2007)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/lighter-briquets-eng.php
Burning Candles Can be Dangerous (2005)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/candel-chandelle-eng.php
Children’s Sleepwear (2005)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/sleep-vetements-eng.php
Is Your Child Safe? (2006)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/child-enfant/index-eng.php
Sun Safety (2007)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/pubs/sun-sol/safety-prudence-eng.php
Upholstered Furniture and Fire Safety (2008)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/upholstered-capitonnes-eng.php
Utility Lighters are Dangerous in the Hands of Children! (2007)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/barbecue-eng.php
SAFE KIDS CANADA
Scalds and Burns (2010)
http://www.safekidscanada.ca/Parents/Safety-Information/Scalds-and-Burns/Index.aspx