Tioga County NY : Healthy Neighborhoods Program January Home Safety Tip

Healthy Neighborhoods Program January Home Safety Tip

Last Updated: Monday, January 4, 2016

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.

Scald Safety Tips:

• Always supervise a child near a bathtub
• The water at the faucet should be less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Always test the water by moving your hand and wrist through the water
• Place hot liquids and food in the center of the table or toward the back of the counter
• Have a 'kid-free' zone of at least 3 feet around the stove
• Open microwaved food slowly and away from your face
• Never hold a child while cooking or drinking hot liquids
• Never heat a baby bottle in the microwave. Heat it in warm water from the faucet

Burn Treatment:

• 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.

For more fire safety tips visit: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/safety-tip-sheets