• use non-slip placemats and coasters instead of tablecloths-children can pull tablecloths and tip hot food or drink onto themselves
• keep hot food or drinks out of reach of children
• never hold young children when you have hot drinks in your hand
• drain hot water from noodles before giving them to your child
• have your child sit at a table when eating hot foods.

• use the back burner of stoves whenever you can
• turn pot handles to the back so children cannot grab them
• use a stove guard or safety barrier to prevent children pulling hot products onto themselves
• supervise children at all times in the kitchen
• never pour water on burning oil- it can cause a fire to spread
• keep looking when cooking.

• push all electrical appliances to the back of the bench so little hands cannot reach
• tidy up long cords or use cordless options if possible
• never heat baby bottles in the microwave
• for older children, make sure microwaves are below waist height so they don’t lift hot items above their head
• always follow the recommended cooking time on food labels- overheated food or liquids can burn or explode.

• keep heaters on a level floor- not raised on chairs or tables
• install a heat-proof guard around heaters and fireplaces.

• avoid using, or cooling down, the iron while children are nearby. Young children can grab cords or ironing boards without knowing what is above
• store items safely away and out of reach of children when not in use.

• keep children away when using hair straighteners or curlers
• supervise children when you know the device is still hot
• store in a heat-proof bag, out of reach of children.

• never use treadmills when young children are in the room
• use a safety guard and unplug the devise after every use.

Hot tap water can burns children’s skin in seconds.

• water at 65ºC can cause full-thickness burn to children in seconds
• water at 60ºC takes about five seconds
• water at 50ºC takes five minutes to produce the same depth of burn.

To help prevent burns:

• check with a licensed plumber if your tap water temperature is 50ºC or below. Most houses in Australia should be capped at 50ºC
• always turn the cold water tap on first, then add hot water when filling a bath or having a shower
• always turn the hot water tap off first before the cold.