HOT WATER AND LIQUIDS BURN JUST LIKE FIRE
Hot water and hot liquids, like soup or coffee, can burn just as seriously as fire. The Brunswick Fire Department warns that contact with water or liquids heated to 150 degrees can cause the worse kind of burn (third degree) in an adult in less than two seconds. Children and elderly have more sensitive skin, which burns more quickly. Scald burns are a frequent cause of injury and death in children under the age of five.
If a scald burn occurs, cool the burn with water. Cover with a clean cloth and seek medical help immediately. Do not use any greasy ointments, butter, Vaseline or oil on burns. They will hold in the heat and cause a more serious burn. Do not use ice on a burn and don't pack a burn victim in ice. Call the rescue squad immediately, Dial 911
Many scald burns happen in the kitchen. Keep pot handles turned inward to avoid spills and to keep them out of the reach of children. Keep children away from the stove and out from underfoot while you are cooking. Make sure everyone is seated before serving hot soup or foods. Never hold a cup of hot coffee or beverage while holding a child. One quick movement and you can scald the child and yourself. Do not use tablecloths with small children around. They can tug on it and pull hot food or liquids on themselves. Keep cords to appliances up on the counter so that children don't pull on them.
Scalds also happen frequently in the bathroom. Test bath water for children. Do not leave children alone in the bathtub. They might turn on the hot water and be unable to turn it off. Teach young children to turn on the cold water first when using faucets.
Check the water temperature in your house. Use a meat thermometer. If the water coming from the faucet is more than 125 degrees, set the hot water heater lower.