Protecting Children from Burn Injuries
From the ages of one to nine years, children are at a greater risk for accidental burn injuries than adults. This is particularly true of toddlers and preschool-age children, whose skin is much more delicate than an older child or adult, and who are fascinated by “adult” tools like matches and lighters but unable to understand the dangers posed by fire or by hot objects like stovetops. In order to help families protect children from burn injuries, Safe Kids USA offers the following tips:
Install smoke alarms and test them regularly. Smoke alarms offer an early warning about the presence of smoke, heat, or both.
Create a family escape plan. Since children cannot always figure out how to escape a fire under pressure, teach kids at least two different ways to get out of their bedrooms, and designate a point away from the house as a “meet-up point” so family members can find each other if a fire occurs.
Lock up matches and lighters and teach children that they are not toys. Children like to imitate adults and will try using a lighter or matches if they have seen adults do so, unless they understand that these tools are off-limits.
Do not allow children to use a microwave until they are old enough to reach the microwave safely and understand that steam from microwaved foods and drinks can cause burns.
If you or someone you love has been burned or injured by a defective product, the experienced Missouri personal injury attorneys at Page Law can help. To learn more about your legal rights and options after an accident, call us today at (314) 322-8515 for a free and confidential consultation.
