Scald Prevention Campaign: Home Safety Council Partners with HotStop | DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

Home Safety Council (HSC) has announced a partnership with HotStop scald-prevention devices to prevent home-based scalding injuries.  Approximately 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths each year are attributable to scalding — most involve the very young or the elderly.  The HSC / HotStop partnership is preparing to kick off a public awareness campaign this fall which will continue into next year and educate consumers of the dangers of scalding injuries and ways to prevent them.

Another burn specialist organization, Shriners Hospitals for Children, offers the following tips for scald prevention:

IN THE KITCHEN:

• “Use oven mitts or hot pads when cooking.
• Turn pot handles inward.
• Thoroughly stir all microwaved foods and liquids.
• Never heat baby bottles in a microwave.
• Avoid having area rugs in the kitchen.
• Establish and enforce a “No Kids” zone in the kitchen, including the stove and sink area.
• Do not use deep fryers around children.  Do not handle, eat, or drink hot items while holding children.
• Test heated foods and liquids before serving to children.
• Keep hot foods and liquids away from the edges of counters or tables.
• Consider replacing table cloths with placemats.

IN THE BATHROOM:

• Set the water heater temperature to 120 degrees fahrenheit.
• When filling the bathtub, run cold water first, and mix in warmer water.
• Before placing a child in the bathtub, check the water temperature by rapidly moving your hand through the water.  If the water feels hot to an adult, it it too hot for a child.
• In the bathtub, face the child away from faucets.
• Use knob covers on faucets.
• Always supervise children in the bath.  Do not leave them alone.”

Previously on the D.C. Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:

• Tips to reduce home scalding injuries
• The dangers of stove-tipping
• An explanation of the degree system by which burns are categorized
• Consumer Action Handbook Updated

If you or a family member believes that you have a case involving a burn injury, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030 for a free consultation.  If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.