A Co Antrim mum has spoken out in a bid to warn other parents after her daughter was burned by a cup of tea.
Little Cadie required treatment at Antrim Area Hospital following the accident involving the hot beverage at their home.
As part of Child Safety Week, her mother Shauna, who works for Mid and East Antrim council is sharing the cautionary tale in a bid to help prevent more home accidents.
Shauna said: "As a mother of four and someone with a wealth of knowledge in home safety the reason I share my story is to highlight the danger of hot drinks around young children and the need to be vigilant at all times.
“I also want to share the importance of good first aid in treating a burn or scald by trying to cool it with cold running water and keeping the wound as clean as possible. I hope my story can prevent a child from suffering a burn or scald and a parent from living with the guilt.”
Thankfully, Cadie, who is now 13, escaped serious injury due to the quick thinking of her parents, but it still serves as a warning to others of just how fast accidents can happen in the home.
Accidents are one of the biggest killers of children in the UK and over 1500 children are admitted to hospitals each week following an accident.
Some 80% of accidents involving under-fives occur in the home.
Supporting the nationwide campaign for Child Safety Week, which runs until Sunday 13 June, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey, said: “Council are committed to highlighting the issue of burns and scalds within the Borough and will shortly be starting an initiative to raise awareness amongst our young families.
“This will include the provision of bath thermometers to new parents, hot drinks safety messages in local cafes and coffee shops, and supply of insulated screw top cups and hair straightener pouches during visits by our Community Health and Wellbeing Advisers.
“By taking these small steps we hope to reduce the number of accidents within the home and keep our young children safe.
"For advice on home safety issues, our Community Health and Wellbeing Advisers are here to help. Tel: 028 2563 3394 or email: wellbeing@midandeastantrim.gov.uk "
You can also access free home safety resources and information and get involved in Child Safety Week at www.capt.org.uk/Pages/Category/child-safety-week
