As kids get older, they earn more freedom, including areas where fire is concerned, such as lighting candles and cooking. And that’s important. So it makes sense that burns caused by direct contact with fire, hot liquids, heating appliances and even chemicals are more prevalent among older children. Here are some ways to avoid them.

Top Safety Tips

1. Teach kids never to play with matches, lighters or fireworks. Depending on the maturity level of your child, it may be reasonable to use the items with the supervision of an adult. Just be sure that a fire extinguisher and a phone are close by in case of an emergency.
2. Teach older responsible kids how to cook safely. It will make your life easier if your kids can cook some of their own meals. Teach them never to leave the kitchen while they are using the stove or oven. Don’t forget that the number one cause of home fires is unattended cooking.
3. Instruct teens to use oven mitts or potholders to remove items from the oven or stove and teach them how to use a microwave safely.
4. Make a habit of placing matches, gasoline and lighters in a safe place, out of children’s reach. Avoid novelty lighters or lighters that look like toys.
5. Fire and burns go together. Prevent them both by installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

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