Fireplaces and wood stoves can cause serious burns. Gas fireplace glass fronts can reach over 400 degrees F. Use a fireplace screen or gate to keep kids away, and install a carbon monoxide detector nearby. Teach kids that fire is hot, but don't rely on teaching alone for kids under 3.
Related Terms
Protecting kids from scalds, contact burns, and fire. Set your water heater to 120 degrees F or lower, keep hot drinks away from table edges, and use stove knob covers. Burns happen fast and young skin is thinner than adult skin, so they burn at lower temperatures.
A device that detects carbon monoxide gas, which is colorless and odorless but can be deadly. CO poisoning symptoms mimic the flu, so a detector is essential for early warning. Install them near bedrooms and on every level of your home, and replace them every 5 to 7 years.
A freestanding or wall-mounted barrier that keeps children away from fireplaces, wood stoves, and hearths. They typically surround the entire fireplace area and have walk-through gates for adults. Some double as general room dividers for zone defense.