Did you know?

• Burns have long been recognized as among the most painful and devastating injuries a person can sustain and survive.

• Thermal burns (from contact with a hot surface or a flame) cause the greatest number of burns in children. However, children ages 4 and under are hospitalized in burn centers more for scald burns, and children ages 5 to 15 for fire/flame burns.

• It is important to remember that young children have thinner skin than older children and adults, and their skin burns at lower temperatures and more deeply. 

• Children, especially those ages 4 and under, may not perceive danger, have less control of their environment, may lack the ability to escape a life-threatening burn situation and may not be able to tolerate the physical stress of a burn injury.

More Information

• To learn more about burn safety from the Burn Institute click here

Learn how to change the temperature on your hot water heater!

 

One important way to protect your child from scald burns is to turn down the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for Burn Safety
	Set the water heater to120 degrees.
	Do not place hot food or liquids near the counter's edge or within a child's reach.
	Do not hold children while cooking.
	Make the stove area a “Kid-Free Zone” (3 feet is a good distance).  Mark it on the floor with bright tape.
	Keep electrical cords out of reach of children.

Developed by the U. S. Fire Administration in partnership with Safe Kids USA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Fire Protection Association and ZERO TO THREE.