McLeod Safe Kids provides top 4 tips to help parents keep kids safe from burns and scalds
The smell of cookies baking in the oven or tasty sauces simmering on the stovetop is hard to resist for kids, but too many are suffering from burns and scalds that are preventable. McLeod Safe Kids wants to remind parents about a few simple tips to help avoid harmful burns and scalds.
In 2012, more than 136,000 children were seen in emergency rooms for fire and burn injuries.
“Among young children, scalds caused by hot liquids or steam are the most common types of burn-related injuries,” said Ashley Costas, Coordinator of McLeod Safe Kids. “During National Burn Awareness Week, we want to remind all parents to take simple precautions such as adjusting your water heater and using the back burners on your kitchen stove whenever possible.”
McLeod Safe Kids recommends the following 4 tips to prevent scalds.
1. Adjust your water heater. With everything going on, we know the water heater is the last thing on your mind. But, a small adjustment can give you one less thing to worry about. To prevent accidental scalding, set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or the manufacturer’s recommended setting.
2. Don’t carry or hold a child while cooking. Instead, place children in a high chair a safe distance away from any hot liquids, hot surface, or other hazards in the kitchen.
3. Use the back burners. Kids love to reach, so to prevent hot food or liquid spills in the kitchen, simply use the back burner of your stove and turn pot handles away from the stove edge. Keep hot foods away from the edge of your counters.
4. Place matches, gasoline and lighters in a safe place, out of children’s reach. Avoid novelty lighters or lighters that look like toys.
If you would like more information about safety topics, call McLeod Safe Kids at (843) 777-5021 or visit www.McLeodSafeKids.org. You can also find the group on Facebook under McLeod Safe Kids.
McLeod Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal is funded in part by the McLeod Health Foundation.
