Kids’ Safety Update

Protect Your Child from Burns

Every day, more than 300 U.S. children are treated in emergency rooms for burn-related injuries.  Younger children are more likely to sustain injuries from hot liquids or steam, while older children are more likely to sustain injuries caused by direct contact with fire.

To help prevent burns from fires:

• Install and maintain smoke alarms in your home, on every floor and near all bedrooms. Test smoke alarms monthly.
• Create and practice a family fire-escape plan. Make sure everyone knows at least two ways out of every room and identify a central meeting place outside.
• Never leave food unattended on the stove. Supervise or restrict children’s use of stoves, overs or microwaves.

To help prevent burns from scalding water:

• Infants can’t get out of water that may be too hot. Set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees or lower.

–Source:  Center for Disease Control and Prevention