In the home, most burns happen in the kitchen. This is especially true for steam burns and other scalds. Cooking involves heat, which makes it inherently risky.
Take these steps to prevent steam burns and other scalds in the kitchen:
- Move all pot handles toward the center of the stove. Children can grab handles that stick out past the edge. They may also be bumped, causing hot liquid spills. This could cause scalds.
- Don’t leave food on the stove unattended.
- Set timers when baking or roasting.
- Let food cool in the microwave before removing it.
- Open microwave containers carefully. Pull the lid off facing away from your body.
- Don’t microwave baby bottles or anything in sealed containers. Make sure foods in the microwave can vent steam during cooking.
- Use only microwave-safe containers in the microwave.
- Keep kids out of the kitchen during hectic times.
- Don’t let kids handle hot liquids.
Steam burns and other scalds can also happen in other parts of the house. Use caution in the bathroom, laundry room, or any part of the home where you use a hot appliance.
Set water heaters to 120 degrees F.
For small children, keep bathwater to about 100 degrees F. Higher temperatures may lead to scalds.