(MayoClinic.com) Child safety is a foreign concept for most young explorers. But basic child safety precautions are important, especially when it comes to fire safety and burns.

One of the most difficult lessons young children may learn is that some things — such as stoves, radiators and flickering flames — can be painfully hot. And if children play with matches or lighters, the threat may extend to the entire family. Take simple child safety precautions to prevent burns and the dangerous situations that cause them.

Many ordinary things in a home — from bath water and hot food to electrical outlets — can cause childhood burns. To prevent burns, follow these child safety tips:

• Reduce water temperature. Set the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 F (48.9 C) or lower. Consider installing anti-scald devices on bathtub faucets and showerheads. Always test the water temperature before your child gets in the tub.
• Avoid hot spills. Don't drink or carry hot beverages or soup while holding a child. When you're using the stove, turn the handles of your pots and pans inward. Don't hold a baby while cooking.
• Establish 'no' zones. Block access to the stove and fireplace, and make space heaters and hot water heaters inaccessible.
• Unplug irons. Store items designed to get hot, such as clothes irons, unplugged and out of reach.
• Test food temperature. Food or liquids warmed in a microwave may heat unevenly. Never warm a baby's bottle in the microwave.
• Choose a cool-water humidifier or vaporizer. If you use a hot-steam vaporizer, keep it out of reach.
• Cover outlets. Place plastic plugs in electrical outlets. Inserting a fork, key or other metal object into an outlet could result in an electrical burn.

Also, check product labels to make sure mattresses and pajamas meet federal flammability standards. Avoid loosefitting garments made of 100 percent cotton, such as oversized T-shirts.

These child safety measures can protect children from outdoor hazards:

• Watch grills and fire pits. Don't allow children to play near these potential hazards.
• Check car seats. Before placing your child in a car seat, check for hot straps or buckles. If you park in direct sunlight, cover the car seat with a towel or blanket.
• Forgo backyard fireworks. Leave fireworks to the trained professionals.

Take these simple precautions to prevent fires:

• Lock up matches and lighters. Store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet or drawer. Teach children that matches and lighters aren't toys.
• Be careful with candles and cigarettes. Keep burning candles out of reach, and extinguish candles before leaving the room. If you smoke, don't smoke in bed. Be sure cigarettes are completely out before throwing them away.
• Use space heaters with care. Keep space heaters three feet (about one meter) away from bedding, drapes, furniture and other flammable materials. Keep children away from space heaters.
• Keep your fireplace clean. An annual cleaning and inspection can help prevent a chimney fire.

In case of emergency, keep fire extinguishers handy throughout your home. Teach children to leave a burning house by crawling under the smoke, and to stop, drop and roll if clothes catch fire. Being prepared for an emergency can be the best safety tool of all.

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