Fires and related burns are the third leading cause of unintentional injuries to children. Each year, an average of 3,650 children age 14 and younger are injured or killed in residential fires. 40% of these fatalities are under the age of 5.
Children playing with fire is the leading cause of most child fire-related fatalities.
Fire is only one cause of burn injuries. Children can also be seriously injured by hot liquids, heating appliances, hot pots and pans, electrical currents and chemicals.
Fire and Burn Safety Tips
- Install smoke alarms in your home on every level and in every sleeping area.
- Test smoke alarms once a month.
- Teach children a plan for escaping your home in case of a fire and practice it.
- Do not leave children alone around open flames, stoves or candles.
- Childproof your home. Cover all unused electrical outlets. Keep matches, gasoline, lighters and other flammable materials out of children’s reach.
- Keep things that easily catch fire away from heat sources like stoves, heaters and fireplaces.
- Keep electrical cords out of reach, especially extension cords and cords connected to heating appliances. Make sure electrical cords can’t be pulled or snagged into a bathtub or sink. Don’t leave a hot iron sitting on an ironing board unattended.
- Set water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Always check the temperature of the water before placing a child in the bathtub.
