9 kitchen safety tips for parents

Ottawa paramedics offer nine kitchen safety tips for parents after a toddler was burned Monday morning. (Brad Loper/The Associated Press)

An Ottawa toddler is in serious condition in hospital after a kettle filled with boiling water fell on him this morning.

The boy suffered second-degree burns to his back.

Paramedics said they are reminding parents about the dangers for children in the kitchen.

Paramedics also offered these safety tips:

Use rear stove elements as much as possible keeping hot pots as far from your child's reach as possible.
Keep stools, chairs away from counter tops and the stove.
Keep electrical cords from kitchen appliances tied up and placed as far away as possible from your child's reach.
To avoid painful burns, set water tank temperature at no more than 49 degrees Celsius.
Teach your child the stove is a "hot spot".
Keep knives away from child's reach and avoid using tablecloths — children love to pull on them.
Keep cleaning chemicals, medications in a secured cupboard well away from a child's access.
Plastic bags are a choking and suffocating hazard to your child.
Use childproof door latches on all kitchen cupboard doors and place protective covers on all electrical outlets.

Paramedics also encourage parents and guardians to take a CPR and first aid training course.

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