February 22, 2008

Health Tip: Don't Get Burned by Hot Water

(HealthDay News) -- Almost 2 million people in the United States are treated for burns every year, and about 112,000 of these burns are involve scalding water.

According to the Safe Kids Coalition, about 37,000 of burn victims are 14 or younger, and about 18,000 are age 5 or younger.

About half of hot water burns occur because parents put children in water that is too hot.

The National Ag Safety Database says parents can protect their children by turning the home water heater down to 120 degrees. And always test bath water before putting a child in it. If the water feels hot to you, it could easily burn a child.

You can also safeguard your child by putting him in the bath with his back to the faucet, so he can't turn the water on. Also try knob covers for the bathroom tub.

-- Anne Thompson

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