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Burn Awareness Week 2019

Did you know that it takes only two seconds of exposure to 148°F (64°C) water to cause a burn serious enough to require surgery! Coffee is often served at 175°F (79°C), making it high-risk for causing immediate severe scald burns. For National Burn Awareness Week (February 3-9, 2019), the theme is scalds and how to prevent them.

Most common rooms for burn injuries are the kitchen and bathroom. Babies and small children are especially vulnerable to scalds from hot water or steam.

How to prevent scalds at home:

  • Never leave a child alone in the bathroom or kitchen. If you must leave the room, take the child with you.
  • Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
  • Consider installing water faucets and showerheads containing anti-scald technology.
  • Keep hot foods and liquids away from table and counter edges. Never carry or hold children and hot foods and/or liquids at the same time.
  • Use back burners, and turn pot handles to the back of the stove when cooking.
  • Keep appliance cords out of children’s reach, especially if the appliances contain hot foods or liquids.

More information from the American Burn Association.