National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors report that scald burns are the second leading cause of all burn injuries, and children, older adults and people with disabilities are especially at risk.
To help prevent scald injuries, the groups offer these safety tips:
- Teach children that hot things can burn.
- Test the water at the faucet. It should be less than 100 degrees F (49 degrees C).
- Always supervise a child in or near a bathtub. Before placing a child in the bath or getting in the bath yourself, test the water. Move your hand, wrist and forearm through the water, which 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 ft around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. Never hold a child while cooking, drinking a hot liquid, or carrying hot foods or liquids.
- Treat a burn right away. Cool the burn with cool water for 3 to 5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical help if needed.