Parents and carers across County Durham and Darlington are being reminded of the simple steps they can take to help prevent burns and scalds to young children as organisations come together to mark National Burns Awareness Day.
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT), Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council have joined forces to share a burns prevention video highlighting some of the everyday hazards that can pose a risk to young children at home.
The video features local families and focuses on simple ways parents and carers can reduce the risk of burns and scalds, including keeping hot hair styling tools out of reach, using the back rings of the hob and turning pan handles away from the edge of the cooker.
It also highlights the importance of keeping hot drinks and kettles out of reach of small hands and always checking the temperature of bath water before putting a child in, with cold water added to the bath first.
Victoria Cooling, Consultant in Public Health at CDDFT, said: “Young children are naturally curious and can be quick to reach for something that catches their attention, which means everyday items in our homes can sometimes present a serious risk.
“Burns and scalds can happen in seconds, but there are simple steps parents and carers can take to reduce the risk. Keeping hot items out of reach, turning pan handles away from the edge of the cooker and checking bath water before putting a child in can all make a difference.
“Our new video focuses on these everyday situations and aims to give families practical advice they can easily build into their routines.
“By taking a few extra precautions, we can help prevent burns and scalds and keep children safe at home.”
Burns and scalds are among the common injuries that can affect young children, particularly in the home.
The burns prevention video is part of wider work by CDDFT, Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council to help families prevent common childhood injuries and keep children safe at home.
Cllr Matthew Roche, cabinet member for health and housing at Darlington Borough council, said: “We know that the home is the most common place for childhood accidents and sadly the rates of unintentional injuries in children and young people in Darlington is above the regional and national average.
“Giving children the best start in life is one of our top priorities and we are delighted to be involved with this fantastic campaign which will help keep local children safe and well.”
Hot drinks, cooking, baths and heated household items can all cause serious injuries if children are able to reach them.
Amanda Healy, Durham County Council’s director of public health, said: “A lot of everyday objects and activities can be a danger for children. It’s important that we are aware of how youngsters see and interact with these items so we can avoid accidents and injury.
“Simple steps that take very little time can go a long way. Think about how and where you are leaving items such as pans, straighteners, curling wands and hot drinks, and what steps you can take to keep them out of reach of smaller hands.
“We’re happy to be working with CDDFT on this new video, which aims to give families practical advice.”
Families are being encouraged to remember these important burns prevention messages:
- Keep hot drinks and kettles out of reach of young children.
- Never leave hot drinks within reach of small hands, even if they are not in the child’s immediate vicinity.
- Use the back rings of the hob wherever possible.
- Turn pan handles towards the back of the cooker so they cannot be easily grabbed.
- Keep children away from cooking areas where possible.
- Keep hair straighteners, curling tongs and other hot styling tools out of reach, including while they are cooling down.
- Always check the temperature of bath water before putting a child in.
- Put cold water in the bath first, then add hot water.
- Keep kettles and their cords away from the edge of worktops.
- Use a fireguard.
- Never assume that something is safe simply because it is out of a child’s reach – young children can be surprisingly quick and resourceful.
Parents and carers are encouraged to watch the video and share the advice with family members and anyone else who cares for their children.
National Burns Awareness Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the causes of burns and scalds and the simple steps that can help prevent them.
By making a few small changes at home, families can reduce everyday risks and help keep young children safe. For advice on managing burns and scalds please visit the NHS website or the Healthier Together website.