National Burn Awareness Week, February 3-9 - Keep Children Safe

One of the most common causes of burns is from scalds (hot liquids, hot foods, and steam). Sixty percent of all scald injuries are suffered by children ages 0-4 years. Practice these safety tips from the National Safety Council to keep your children free of scald injuries not just during National Burn Awareness week, but all year long.

• Reduce water temperature. Set the thermostat on your water heater at or below 120 F. Always test the water temperature before you put your children in the bathtub.
• Avoid hot spills. Don’t cook, carry, or drink hot beverages while holding a child. Keep hot liquids away from the edges of table and counters.
• When using the stove, turn pot handles inward and use the rear burners. Never leave a stove unattended.
• Establish ‘no’ zones. Block a child’s access to the stove and fireplace. Make sure to block access to heaters and water heaters as well.
• Test food temperature before giving a child food or liquids. Never warm a baby’s bottle in the microwave.
• Choose a cool-water humidifier or vaporizer.

For more information, visit the National Safety Council’s page on burn prevention.