Is Your Home a 'Burn Zone?'

Follow these suggestions to prevent burns and scalding.

Home is where your dreams live.

But it also can be a potentially dangerous “burn zone.”

These easy-to-follow tips can help you avoid burns and scalds in your home.

Be stove smart

Don’t leave the stove or oven unattended when cooking.
Point pot handles inward. Place hot dishes where they can’t be knocked down.
Keep flammable items and loose-fitting garments away from burners.
Create a “kid safety zone” – keep little ones at least three feet from the stove and oven.
Use the back burners when young children are present.
Stir and test microwaved food before eating.
Replace old or worn oven mitts.

Prevent scalding

Set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees or lower.
Open heated food containers slowly, away from your face.
Before taking a bath, run cold water first, then add hot, and test the water continuously to prevent it from getting too hot.
Supervise young children and anyone who may have difficulty removing themselves from hot water.

If you must smoke…

Don’t leave burning cigarettes, cigars or other smoking materials unattended.
Never smoke in bed.
Keep ashtrays away from flammable objects (curtains, newspapers, furniture, etc.).

Use smoke detectors

Install smoke alarms on all levels of your home (including basements and attics) and near all sleeping rooms.
Test all smoke alarms monthly.
If someone in your home is hearing impaired, install flashing smoke alarms.

Remember, if you or a loved one have been burned or scalded, seek treatment immediately, and call a physician if the injury is severe.

Check out these related resources:

Kitchen Fire Safety Tips