Burns and Scalds Prevention

Scalds from hot liquids are the most common burn injury in young children:

• Water heater: set to 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) or lower
• Test bath water with your elbow or thermometer before placing baby in
• Turn child away from faucets so they cannot turn on hot water
• Never hold a baby while drinking hot coffee, tea, or soup
• Keep hot drinks away from the edge of tables and counters
• No tablecloths — children pull them, bringing hot food and drinks down
• Test heated food and formula before giving to a child (stir and check temperature)
• Never microwave breast milk or formula — creates dangerous hot spots
• Use travel mugs with sealed lids for hot beverages around children

• Use back burners and turn pot handles toward the back of the stove
• Install stove knob covers and a stove guard
• Keep children at least 3 feet from the stove during cooking
• Never leave cooking unattended
• Use oven locks to prevent toddlers from opening the oven door
• Be careful with steam from microwave containers and pot lids
• Keep hot appliances (toasters, coffee makers, slow cookers) away from counter edges
• Use cord shorteners so children cannot pull hot appliances down

• Cover all unused electrical outlets with outlet covers or plate covers
• Use outlet covers that are difficult for children to remove
• Keep electrical cords out of reach and out of walkways
• Replace frayed or damaged cords immediately
• Do not allow children to play with electrical cords
• Install GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, and near water
• Keep hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners unplugged and stored away when not in use
• Cover electrical panels and breaker boxes

• Install smoke detectors on every level and in every sleeping area
• Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries annually
• Keep matches, lighters, and candles completely out of reach and sight
• Never leave candles burning unattended
• Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it
• Create and practice a home fire escape plan
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from everything; never leave unattended
• Have a fireplace screen and keep children away from fireplaces

• Under 6 months: Keep out of direct sunlight. Use shade, hats with brims, and lightweight long sleeves
• 6 months and older: Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside
• Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating
• Seek shade between 10am and 4pm when UV rays are strongest
• Use UPF-rated clothing for extended sun exposure
• Protect eyes with age-appropriate sunglasses (100% UV protection)
• Remember: UV rays penetrate clouds — sunburn can occur on overcast days

Immediate steps:

1. Cool the burn under cool (not cold) running water for 10-20 minutes
2. Remove clothing near the burn unless it is stuck to the skin
3. Cover loosely with a clean, dry, non-stick bandage
4. Give pain relief (age-appropriate acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

Do NOT:

• Apply ice (can cause further tissue damage)
• Apply butter, oil, toothpaste, or home remedies
• Pop or break blisters
• Use adhesive bandages directly on burns

Seek medical attention if:

• The burn is larger than the child's palm
• The burn is on the face, hands, feet, joints, or genitals
• The burn blisters or looks white/waxy
• The burn goes all the way around a limb
• The child is under 12 months
• You are unsure how severe it is

• Water heater set to 120 degrees F or lower
• Stove knob covers and stove guard installed
• Pot handles turned inward; use back burners
• Hot drinks kept in travel mugs or away from edges
• All outlets covered
• Smoke detectors on every level, tested monthly
• Fire extinguisher in kitchen
• Matches and lighters locked away
• Space heaters 3+ feet from everything
• Curling irons and hair tools stored unplugged
• Sunscreen applied before outdoor time (6+ months)
• Fire escape plan created and practiced