Did you know that hot tap water accounts for nearly 1 in 4 of all scald burns among children and is associated with more deaths and hospitalizations than any other hot liquid burns?
During National Burn Awareness Week Safe Kids Wake County reminds parents of the following simple safety measure to prevent burn injuries to their children.
Kitchen
- 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 and cause hot food to spill.
- When cooking, use back burners, and turn pot handles towards the back of the stove.
- Always tuck appliance cords where children cannot reach them.
- Never hold a child when cooking.
- Stir all food and drink before serving children to make sure it is cool enough to eat and drink.
- Closely supervise children when they are in or near the kitchen.
Bathroom
- Always test the bath water with your hand before bathing children. (Make sure your water heater thermostat is set to no more than 120 degrees)
- When children are in or near the bath, watch them closely, and check the water temperature frequently.
- If you are unable to control the temperature that comes out of your faucet, install special water faucets or shower heads that can shut off the flow of water when it gets too hot.
“A burn is one of the most painful injuries a child can suffer,” said Courtney Mann, MD, WakeMed Children’s Emergency Department physician. “Because young children have thinner skin than adults, their skin burns more deeply and at lower temperatures — and young children often cannot react quickly enough to escape harm. A little planning and a few simple precautions can prevent devastating injuries and even save your child’s life. ”
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