Scald Prevention Safety Tips
A scald injury can happen at any age. Children, older adults and people with disabilities are especially at risk. Hot liquids from bath water, hot coffee and even microwaved soup can cause devastating injuries. Scald burns are the second leading cause of all burn injuries.
Safety tips
- Teach children that hot things can burn. Install anti-scald devices on tub faucets and shower heads.
- Always supervise a child in or near a bathtub.
- Test the water at the faucet. It should be less than 100°Fahrenheit (38° Celsius).
- Before placing a child in the bath or getting in the bath yourself, test the water.
- Test the water by moving your hand, wrist and forearm through the water. The water should feel warm, not hot, to the touch.
- Place hot liquids and food in the center of a table or toward the back of a counter.
- Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
- Open microwaved food slowly, away from the face.
- Never hold a child while you are cooking, drinking a hot liquid, or carrying hot foods or liquids.
- Never heat a baby bottle in a microwave oven. Heat baby bottles in warm water from the faucet.
- Allow microwaved food to cool before eating.
- Choose prepackaged soups whose containers have a wide base or, to avoid the possibility of a spill, pour the soup into a traditional bowl after heating.
BURN Rx
Treat a burn right away. Cool the burn with cool water for 3–5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical help if needed.
It’s important to have a Home Fire Escape Plan.
Time is of the essence when fire erupts in the home. Be prepared!
• Draw a map of your home. Show all doors and windows.
• Visit each room. Find two ways out.
• All windows and doors should open easily. You should be able to use them to get outside.
• Make sure your home has smoke alarms. Push the test button to make sure each alarm is in proper working order.
• Pick a meeting place outside. It should be in front of your home. Everyone will meet at the designated meeting place.
• Make sure your house or building number can be seen from the street.
• Talk about your plan with everyone in your home.
• Learn the emergency phone number for your fire department.
• Practice your home fire drill!
Make your own home fire escape plan using the printable grid here.
Download your own grid by clicking the link below:
