Home safety: How to prevent burns at home

by Debbie Goldberg 06/30/2024

Burns can range from mild injuries to severe and permanent damage. However, there are ways to reduce your burn risk at home. Keep the following burn prevention tips in mind to keep safe from this type of injury.

Lower your water heater temperature

Your water heater could be producing water that's hot enough to scald or burn. Keep your water heater at 120 degrees or lower to ensure scalds or water burns don't happen.

Toss damaged electrical cords and plugs

Frayed or worn electrical cords and plugs can cause electrical burns when touched or handled. Check the cords and plugs in your home regularly, and throw out any in poor condition. Make sure everyone in your home removes plugs from outlets without yanking on the cord, which can lead to fraying.

Cook with care

When cooking on the stove, turn pot and pan handles so they face inward rather than facing the edges of the stovetop. Avoid wearing clothing with long, loose sleeves, which can get caught on these handles or catch fire if you have a gas stove.

Use chemical cleaning products safely

Chemical cleaning products can cause chemical burns if you're not careful. Follow the directions for safe usage when cleaning your home with these products. Wear gloves to protect your hands from chemical burns and skin irritation. When you're not using them, store them in a safe place where they're out of reach from kids and pets.

Use alternative heating devices properly

If you plan to heat your home with space heaters or other devices, always follow the instructions for proper use. Use caution when handling these heating devices to reduce your risk of burns.

Handle matches, lighters and candles with care

When you use lighters, matches or candles in your home, do so carefully to avoid burns. Keep lit candles out of reach from kids and pets, and store matches and lighters in a safe place they won't be able to access.

About the Author

Debbie Goldberg

I'm a full time Realtor with over 30 years of experience yet young enough to embrace today's ever-changing scope of marketing and technology. Having grown up in Connecticut and moved many times (too many to count!) I can empathize with today's buyers and sellers. Strictly maintaining ethical standards and being a fierce advocate on behalf of my clients are things I take very seriously. As a buyer, you can expect me to listen to and evaluate your real estate wants and needs. I can assist in explaining relevant forms, agreements, and closing procedures. I will guide you through the process of finding the right home, negotiating your offer, adhering to all contract dates and terms as well as final walk through and closing procedures. As a seller, I will listen to and evaluate your goals, needs, and timing in order to properly price your home to get the maximum exposure needed to attract the right buyers. In addition to negotiating on your behalf, I will make sure we communicate throughout the entire process as we navigate the contract terms, finance and inspection contingencies, as well as all closing procedures. I was born in Japan, grew up in Hamden and lived in New York, Ohio and Southern California before settling down in New Haven county to raise two kids, two dogs and a cat. I'm passionate about good food and love to bake. Some of my free time has been spent volunteering at Temple Beth Sholom, a synagogue where my family has been members for over 40 years. I also spend time at Tower One/Tower East, an assisted living center in New Haven where my mother-in-law now resides. 30 years of helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals has given me the peace of mind to know that what I do everyday matters. If you are thinking of buying or selling please keep me in mind.