Child Safety Week

With a focus on home safety, here are key tips to keep in mind:

• Keep items that can cause fires, such as candles, matches, and lighters, out of children's reach. Also, ensure hot items like kettles, irons, and hair straighteners are inaccessible.

• Prevent children from playing near fires or heaters to avoid burns.

• Use the back hobs on the stove and ensure saucepan handles are not sticking out to prevent them from being knocked off.

• Never leave children unattended in the kitchen.

• Install childproof guards in front of open fires or heaters; the best ones can be fixed to the wall.

• Keep in mind that certain clothing materials, particularly synthetic fabrics, can ignite quickly when in contact with flames.

• In case of clothing catching fire, remember to 'stop, drop, and roll.' Avoid running around, as it can worsen the flames. Lie down and roll around to smother the flames with a heavy material like a coat or blanket.

• Before adding hot water to a bath or sink, run cold water first and test the temperature. Only put a baby or child into the water once it's been tested.

• Store chemicals and cleaners out of reach of children.

For burn first aid, remember 'cool, call, and cover!'

• Cool the burn with running cold tap water for 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery (unless it is melted or firmly stuck to the wound).

• Call for help—dial 999 in an emergency or 111 or contact your local GP for non-emergency advice.

• Cover the burn with cling film or a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or cloth, ensuring the patient stays warm.