Even with a fence installed, a crawling child or toddler ought to never be left alone without supervision in a room with a wood burning oven. Toddlers particularly, like to toss things over the fence. Heavier objects such as blocks could easily crack or break the glass front of certain models of stoves. Plastic products, should they reach the top of the stove, could easily melt and release harmful fumes into the air.
From an early age, kids ought to be taught the hazards of a wood burning stove. It ought to be discussed that fire is hot and should not be played with in any form. The same explanations given to kids about the kitchen cooking stove and safety should also apply to a wood burning stove heater.
Kids are captivated with fire. As you are loading a wood burning stove with either logs or pellets, this becomes a perfect time to discuss with them the hazards. You do not want a child to be frightened of the wood burning stove, but at the same time, you do want to impart a healthy respect for the appliance Go to this page .
Older kids can help with wood burning stove chores, such as bringing in firewood or pellets. They can also help sweep up the area or engage younger kids while the parent is occupied with the stove. Other chores, such as loading the stove or clearing the ash pan, is best left to older teenagers or grownups.
Another concern with wood burning stoves, not just for kids, is the pollutants put into the indoor air by the stove. If a child has an allergic reaction to smoke or asthma, a wood burning stove could make an attack more likely. Care ought to be taken that such a child is out of the room when the stove is opened for filling or for cleaning the ash pan.