Tips to Prevent Scalds and Burn Accidents from the Moreno Valley Fire Department

Each year, more than 100,000 children 14 and under are treated for fire and burn injuries. The leading causes of burn injuries in young children are hot liquids and steam. Your house is full of common things that can burn your child. National Burn Awareness Week is observed the first full week in February, and is the perfect calendar observance to focus on preventing fires and protecting children. Reduce water temperature • Set the hot water heater to 120 degrees. If you rent, ask your landlord to do it. • Consider putting anti-scald devices on faucets. A child’s skin burns at lower temperatures and more quickly than adult skin. Establish a “Kid-Free Zone” • Make the stove area a “Kid- Free Zone” (3 feet is a good distance). Mark it on the floor with bright tape. • Always stay in the kitchen when your children are there. • Do not hold children while cooking or while carrying hot foods or liquids. Avoid hot spills • Cook with pots and pans on back burners; turn handles away from the front. • Do not place hot foods or liquids near the counter or table’s edge. Avoid hot spills • Cook with pots and pans on back burners; turn handles away from the front. • Do not place hot foods or liquids near the counter or table’s edge. Test food and drink temperature • Taste cooked food and heated liquids to make sure they’re not too hot. • Never microwave a baby’s bottle. Drinks heated in a microwave may be much hotter than their containers. • Heat bottles with warm water and test before feeding. Remove items that burn • Teach your child to never touch matches or lighters. Store these items in locked cabinets and do not use these items for fun—children can imitate you. • Keep children away from candles and other open flames. • Keep cords out of your children’s reach.