Scald injuries are painful and require prolonged
treatment. They may result in lifelong
scarring and even death. In conjunction
with Burn Awareness Week, February 3 – 9, the
American
Burn Association and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue are providing
information relating to scald burns in an effort to prevent this terrible burn
injury from occurring.
Although anyone can sustain a scald burn infants, young
children, older adults and people with disabilities are more likely to be
scalded.
Did you know that tap water scalds are often more severe
than cooking-related scalds? Our partner
in safety, The American Burn Association, recommends the following simple
safety tips to decrease the risk to yourself and those you love from tap water
scalds.
• Set home water heater thermostats to deliver water at a
temperature no higher than 120
degrees Fahrenheit.
An easy method to test this is to allow hot water to run for three to
five minutes, then test with a candy, meat or water thermometer. Adjust the water heater and wait a day to let
the temperature drop. Re-test and re-adjust
as necessary.
• Provide constant adult supervision of young children or
anyone who may experience
difficulty removing themselves from hot water on their
own. Gather all necessary supplies before
placing a child in the tub, and keep them within easy reach.
• Fill tub to desired level before getting in. Run cold water first, then add hot. Turn off the hot water first. This can prevent scalding in case someone
should fall in while the tub is filling.
Mix the water thoroughly and check the temperature by moving your elbow,
wrist or hand with spread fingers through the water before allowing someone to
get in.
• Install grab bars, shower seats or non-slip flooring in
tubs or showers if the person is
unsteady or weak.
• Avoid flushing toilets, running water or using the dish-
or clothes washer while anyone is showering.
• Install anti-scald or tempering devices. These heat sensitive instruments stop or
interrupt the flow of water when the temperature reaches a pre-determined level
and prevent hot water that is too hot from coming out of the tap.
Cooking-related scalds are also easy to prevent. Some things you can do to make your home safer
from cooking-related burns include:
• Establish a “kid zone” out of the traffic path between the
stove and sink where children
can safely play and still be supervised. Keep young children in high chairs or play
yards, a safe distance from counter- or stovetops, hot liquids, hot surfaces or
other cooking hazards.
• Cook on back burners when young children are present. Keep all pot handles turned back, away from
the stove edge. All appliance cords
should be coiled and away from the counter edge. During mealtime, place hot items in the
center of the table, at least 10 inches from the table edge. Use non-slip placemats instead of tablecloths
if toddlers are present. Never drink or
carry hot liquids while carrying or holding a child. Quick motions may cause spilling of the
liquid onto the child.
