Health tips to avoid burns and their sequelae

What do you need to bear in mind to prevent burns and their sequelae?

There are different ways of avoiding burns:

• Sunbathe with sun protection and avoid exposure in the middle of the day.
• Use plug socket covers for children.
• Do not overload plug sockets.
• Do not use equipment or home appliances with cables in poor condition or extension leads in poor condition.
• Prevent children from being able to reach cables so that they cannot hurt themselves by biting them.
• Always follow the specific safety guidelines for each electrical device.
• Check electronic toys regularly to detect signs of wear and tear.
• Sparking appliances should be repaired or thrown away, as should those that overheat when turned on or smell odd.
• Electric heaters should be placed at least one metre away from beds, curtains or any other flammable object.
• Fire retardant sleepwear (polyester or treated cotton) should be used. Generally, clothing that is not classified as sleepwear is not fire retardant.
• Explain to little ones that glass doors on ovens or fireplaces can get very hot and burn you, so they are not to touch them.
• Do not leave children alone in the kitchen if someone is cooking. Keep children away from the hob or ceramic rings.
• Turn pan handles so that they do not stick out and such that children cannot reach them.
• You should not be holding or carrying a child while you are cooking.
• Do not drink hot drinks with a child on your lap.
• Do not carry hot liquids if you do not know where your children are, to avoid stumbling.
• The hot water thermostat should be set at 49°C or a low-medium level.
• Always check bath water temperature before putting your child in.
• Always turn on the cold tap before the hot tap and turn off the cold before turning off the hot. 
• In the bathtub, children should be placed with their back to the tap, so that it is less likely that they will accidentally turn on the hot water.
• Disconnect electrical devices in the bathroom when they are not in use.
• Avoid using steam therapy. Its effectiveness has not been proven, but its association with the risk of being burned has, especially in children under three years.
• No home fire (fireplace, barbecue, fondue) should be lit or revived by throwing flammable liquid directly from the bottle (for example, fuel alcohol).
• Do not use petrol to light a fireplace or barbecue. There are systems especially designed for this purpose.
• Have chimneys cleaned regularly.
• Do not smoke in bed, especially if you are tired or taking medication that makes you drowsy.
• Candles should not be lit at bed time. 
• Lighters, matches, chemicals and candles must be kept out of the reach of children. If necessary, locks or security systems may be placed on cupboards where cleaning products are stored.
• Always store cleaning products or similar in their original containers, never in plastic milk or water bottles.
• Always follows the instructions for use when using chemical products.