Scald Burn Prevention
Prevent scalds in the bathroom:
Test
how "hot" your hot water is. Turn on the hot water at the tub faucet.
Let it run for 3 to 5 minutes. Measure the temperature with a hot water
gauge or mercury thermometer. (Liquid crystal bath thermometers are
available for a few dollars.)
For
safe bathing, set the water heater's thermostat to low, warm, or 120oF.
Wait a day. Test the water again. Repeat, if necessary. Your clothes and
dishes will get clean at this setting!
Install
anti-scald devices in your shower and bathtub fixtures that stop the
water flow when the temperature exceeds 120oF.
Always
check the water temperature before placing your child in the tub. A
child's skin burns more easily than an adult's.
Supervise
kids in the tub. Young children can turn the hot water on by themselves.
Older children can scald a younger child.
NOTE: If you rent, ask your landlord to lower the water temperature or put an anti-scald device in your shower and bathtub fixtures.
Prevent scalds in the kitchen:
Keep
hot foods and drinks away from the edge of tables and counters. Do not
put them on a tablecloth that little hands can yank.
If
you're holding something hot, don't hold your child too. When you cook,
keep your child away from the stove. Turn pot handles toward the back of
the stove. If possible, use rear burners. Watch for dangling appliance
cords.
Hot liquids - not fire - are the most common cause of burns to young children. Hot water can cause serious, painful scald burns - quickly.