Here are a few simple steps to keep your little ones safe from potential burns, whether in the kitchen, around a fireplace or in any other part of your home:
* Don’t carry or hold a child while cooking on the stove. Instead, move a high chair in the kitchen within reach or sight before you start. Then talk to your children so they know what’s going on. It’s a great way to spend time together.
* Kids love to reach, so to prevent hot food or liquid spills, simply use the back burner of your stove and turn pot handles away from the edge. Keep hot foods away from the edge of your counters.
* Use oven mitts or potholders and keep hot foods and liquids away from table and counter edges. Be careful if your oven mitt is wet; when combined with heat, the moisture can cause scalds.
* Slowly open containers which have been in the microwave, as steam can burn little fingers and faces.
* Teach older responsible children how to cook safely. It will make your life easier if your children can cook some of their own meals. Teach them never to leave the kitchen while they are using the stove or oven.
* Make a habit of placing matches, gas bottles and lighters in a safe place, out of children’s reach. Avoid novelty lighters or lighters which look like toys.
