Darlington families urged to prevent child burns at home

Darlington families urged to act on everyday burn risks at home

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A new council and NHS campaign gives parents and carers practical checks to reduce burns and scalds among young children at home.

By The Tees Editorial Desk · 14 October 2026

Black hand above heat waves inside a red prohibition circle, used as an illustrative hot-surface warning. Image: Bigguy637 / Wikimedia CommonsImage source CC0 1.0

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Darlington families are being asked to check the everyday hot items around their homes after the council and local NHS launched a child burn- campaign on Wednesday 14 October.

Darlington Borough Council has joined County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust and Durham County Council to share a short video made with local families. It focuses on risks that can be easy to overlook in a busy kitchen, bathroom or bedroom, from a mug left near the edge of a table to hair straighteners cooling within .

Small changes around the home

The practical advice starts with hot drinks and cooking. Kettles, their cords and freshly made drinks should be kept away from small hands. Families are advised to use the back rings of the hob where possible, turn pan handles towards the back of the cooker and keep children out of cooking areas.

The campaign also asks adults to think about heat after an item has been used. Straighteners, curling tongs and similar tools can remain hot while cooling down. Bath water should be checked before a child gets in, with cold water added first and hot water afterwards. A fireguard is recommended where there is an open of heat.

Victoria Cooling, a consultant in at the , said burns and scalds can happen “in seconds”. The campaign’s message is simple: young children are curious, quick and capable of reaching things adults may assume are safely out of the way.

Why the warning matters locally

Councillor Matthew Roche, Darlington Borough Council’s for health and housing, said the home is the most common place for childhood accidents. added that Darlington’s of unintentional injuries among children and young people is above both the regional and national . The council did not publish numerical with its announcement, so the size of that gap cannot be assessed from the release.

The prevention video forms part of wider work by the three organisations to reduce common childhood injuries. Parents and carers are encouraged to watch it and pass the advice to grandparents, relatives, childminders and anyone else who looks after their children. The full video is linked from the council and NHS campaign pages.

What to do after a burn or scald

Current NHS guidance says every burn or scald should be treated straight away. Hold the affected area under cool running water for 20 minutes, ideally as soon as possible and within three hours. Remove clothing or jewellery near the injury, but leave anything stuck to the skin in place. Once cooled, cling film can be laid over the area rather than wrapped around it.

The NHS advises calling 999 or going to A&E for a burn that is very large or deep, affects the face, genitals or bottom, or was caused by chemicals, acid or electricity. Anyone unsure what to do can contact NHS 111, with telephone advice recommended for a child under five. Creams, oils and butter should not be put on a fresh burn.

The councils and NHS trust are using National Burns Awareness Day to make the guidance visible, but the checks take only a few minutes and apply throughout the year: move hot drinks back, turn pan handles in, tidy trailing cords and put cooling appliances somewhere a child cannot reach.