Tips to Prevent Common Scald Injuries in Children from the Lutheran Burn Center
2/7/2023
The Regional Burn Center team at Lutheran Hospital wants to take the opportunity during National Burn Awareness Week to remind parents of important tips to protect children from scalds.
National Burn Awareness Week is organized by the American Burn Association and observed during the first full week of February, providing organizations the opportunity to mobilize and unite in sharing a common burn awareness and prevention message in the community.
“Scalds from hot bath water, beverages and steam are common causes of burn injuries, particularly in children treated by our burn center,” said Edwin Garcia, M.D., Lutheran Hospital Regional Burn Center director and surgeon. “Safety and prevention in the home is key. But by taking a few precautions, we can make strides in preventing these painful scalds from happening – especially with our little ones.”
Dr. Garcia and the Regional Burn Center team recommend the following safety tips in the home to avoid scalds at all ages:
- Never leave children unattended in the kitchen. Create a “no-kids zone” of at least three feet around stoves or appliances where hot food or drinks are prepared.
- Place pots and pans on back stove burners with handles turned back and away from edges to prevent a child from pulling them down.
- Keep hot cups, pans and dishes out of children’s reach and sight, and never hold a child while you’re cooking, drinking or carrying hot liquids or foods.
- Set the water heater temperature to no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit or just below the medium setting.
- Never leave a child unattended in the bathtub, allow children to adjust the water temperature or sit near faucet handles.
For more information on services, visit lutheranhospital.com/burn-center or call the Lutheran Regional Burn Center at (260) 435-4730.
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