Hot liquids cause more burn injuries in young children than any other source. A cup of coffee can burn a child's skin in seconds. Keep hot drinks out of reach, test bath water with your elbow, and turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
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Protecting kids from scalds, contact burns, and fire. Set your water heater to 120 degrees F or lower, keep hot drinks away from table edges, and use stove knob covers. Burns happen fast and young skin is thinner than adult skin, so they burn at lower temperatures.
Water at 140 degrees F can cause a third-degree burn in 3 seconds. Set your water heater to 120 degrees F or lower. Anti-scald valves on faucets add another layer of protection. Always test bath water with your wrist or elbow before putting a child in.
The kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms for babies and toddlers. Hot stoves, sharp objects, heavy pots, cleaning chemicals under the sink, and small magnets on the fridge all pose risks. Use stove guards, cabinet locks, and keep kids out of the kitchen during cooking when possible.
A valve installed on faucets or shower heads that automatically reduces water flow if the temperature exceeds a safe level, usually around 120 degrees F. They're an affordable add-on that can prevent serious burns, especially in bathtubs where kids play.