Did you know that young children’s skin is thinner than older children and adults, and their skin burns at lower temperatures and more deeply?
Since burns are recognized as one of the most painful and devastating injuries a person can sustain and survive, we want to arm you with the tools to keep your children safe from this devastating injury.
Burn Awareness Week is celebrated from February 5-11, 2012. This year one of the focus areas is preventing scald burn injuries.
A scald is a burn from hot liquid or steam.
60% of all scald injuries are to children ages 0-4. (National Center for Health Statistics)
Children have thinner skin than adults which can result in a more severe burn.
The most common places children experience scalds are in the kitchen or dining rooms and in the bathrooms.
The maximum recommended residential water temperature is 120˚F (48˚C).
It is important to remember that children, especially those ages 4 and under, may not perceive danger, have less control of their environment, may lack the ability to escape a life-threatening burn situation and may not be able to tolerate the physical stress of a burn injury.
Top tips to keep your kids safe around the house.
KITCHEN AND HOT FOOD
Keep children at least 3 feet from hot appliances, pots, pans or food.
Use spill-resistant mugs when drinking hot liquids around children.
Avoid using tablecloths or anything a child can pull on and cause hot food to spill.
When cooking, use back burners and keep pot handles turned towards the back of the stove.
Always tuck cords from appliances where children cannot reach them.
Never hold a child when cooking something hot.
Test and stir all food before serving children to make sure it is cool enough to eat.
Supervise children closely when they are in or near the kitchen.
BATHROOM
Always test the bath water with your hand before bathing children.
When children are in or near the bath, watch them closely checking the water temperature frequently.
If you are unable to control the temperature that comes out of your faucet, install special tub spouts or shower heads that can shut off the flow of water when it gets too hot.
Questions and Anwsers
Q: What are anti-scald devices?
A: These heat-sensitive devices stop the flow of water when the temperature reaches a pre-set temperature to prevent water that is too hot from coming out of the tap.
Some anti-scald devices can be screwed onto the fixture without professional help and some faucets and shower heads also include this feature. You can pick up an anti-scald device at any home improvement store.
Q: What is a safe bathing temperature?
A: The recommended safe and comfortable temperature for bathing a young child is no more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to set your water heater at 120 degrees.
Top tips to keep your kids safe around the house. 
