Tips to prevent fires and burns at our homes

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There are a number of safety tips that should be implemented by New Jersey homeowners to prevent injuries at our place of resident. Such injuries are more prevalent during the holiday seasons in part because we have more visitors at our homes during these times. This is especially true of burn injuries which can happen with great frequency. Unfortunately, homes present many dangers that we too frequently take for granted. Certain precautions in particular should be taken to prevent fires and burn injuries. Such precautions can include:

• Keep children out of the kitchen as much as possible to prevent burns from spillage or cooking accidents.
• Place candles in nonflammable containers and away from curtains or other materials that can catch fire and never leave candles unattended.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Limit electrical output, do not string more than three stands of lights to any extension, use only outdoor lighting when stringing lights up outdoors, check electrical cords for fraying, and turn off all lights when you go to bed.
• Keep children away from gas or wood fireplaces, and keep a screen or gate around these items to prevent children from coming into contact with them.
• Keep trees and wreaths moist.

Accidents will continue to occur if parties fail to clear dangers and obstacles from their properties. It is in all of our own best interest to prevent these injuries from occurring (along with the consequences that stem from such injuries). Burn injuries in particular can cause the most severe of pain, and can result in long term injury and disfigurement. Source: myCentralJersey.com, "Tips to keep you warm and safe," Dec. 26, 2011