Keeping Children Safe Near Heating

heating at home With the temperature outside beginning to drop as quickly as the leaves from the trees it is obvious that Fall is in full swing and its chilly cousin Winter is just around the corner. This temperature drop is a minor irritation to most people because it simply means turning on the heating and having slightly higher utility bills; but what about those of us with small children?

How can we protect our infants from any burn risks when our heating appliances are on full power?

Radiators

Radiators are perhaps the easiest type of heater to provide protection for. Radiator covers are available from a number of different stores these days, from DIY warehouses to interior goods retailers, and most of them are made from attractive carved wood making them a nice addition to the home as well as a safety feature. They work by allowing heat to pass through the cuts and grooves in the wood but making the actual radiator inaccessible to little hands. Bear in mind that, while electric radiators can be covered fairly easily, gas central heating systems will also have exposed pipes that can get just as hot as the radiators and these may also near covered.

Fires

A roaring, open fire can be a beautiful addition to any home but it is also one of the most dangerous ways of heating a home if you have children. Wire mesh fireguards are often thought of as a safety device but they are really only designed to prevent embers from popping out of the fire; they are not designed to stop little people getting too close. Mesh fire guards are light, easily moved and can get quite hot, making them ineffectual at keeping children away. Guards that surround the entire fireplace are more effective. Similar in appearance to ornamental fences, these guards are tall enough that toddlers will not be able to climb over them. These large fireplace guards are usually tastefully decorated but if they are an aesthetic intrusion they can usually be folded away when the kids are out of the room.

Storage and Fan Heaters

Storage heaters, fan heaters and any other heaters which expel heat from grills tend to have incredibly hot lids. It is imperative then that you warn your kids about laying their toys, or anything else on top of these heaters while they play; because anything resting on top of these heaters has the potential to reach temperatures capable of delivering a minor burn.

If you have children, or children are likely to visit home, then the above suggestions should be enough to keep your home warm and safe this fall and winter.

Post provided by The Economy Radiator Company

6 thoughts on “Keeping Children Safe Near Heating

  • January 16, 2013 at 3:34 am
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    @Rachel Even today morning my daughter touched the hot iron and she burned her hand last week, still the mark is their on her hand, Hope she will remember for the next time as your son.

  • October 29, 2012 at 10:54 pm
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    Good tips. My son just touched the glass to our gas fireplace and burned his hand this morning. Fortunately it wasn’t too bad and I think he’ll remember next time.

  • October 29, 2012 at 5:17 pm
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    My sister’s house had a fire place and she always made sure that the only time they had a fire, someone was in the room with the kids.

  • October 29, 2012 at 1:46 pm
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    These are good reminders. We just dealt with a burn (from an iron) and it’s no fun. I’m on super alert now for anything hot.

  • October 28, 2012 at 4:51 am
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    People need to keep in mind that children will go up and touch anything! These are important tips and I’m glad you posted them!

  • October 27, 2012 at 2:51 pm
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    Great suggestions. Most of it is common sense but some people I guess just don’t think about things and unfortunately kids are sometimes a bit to curious. My kids are old enough now, I hope, to realize a dangerous situation and avoid it or tell me about it! Thanks for the post.

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