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Prevent Scalds & Burns
Safety Tips
- To prevent spills due to overturn of appliances containing hot food or liquids, use the back burner when possible and/or turn pot handles away from the stove's edge.
- All appliance cords need to be kept coiled and away from counter edges.
- Use oven mitts or potholders when moving hot food from ovens, microwave ovens, or stove tops.
- Never use wet oven mitts or potholders as they can cause scald burns.
- Replace old or worn oven mitts.
- Open heated food containers slowly away from the face to avoid steam burns. Hot steam escaping from the container or food can cause burns.
- Foods heat unevenly in microwave ovens, stir and test before eating.
Protect Children From Scalds & Burns
Young children are at high risk of being burned by hot food and liquids:
- Keep young children at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from any place where hot food or drink is being prepared or carried.
- Keep hot foods and liquids away from table and counter edges.
- When young children are present, use the stove's back burners whenever possible.
- Never hold a child while cooking, drinking, or carrying hot foods or liquids.
- Teach children that hot things burn.
- When children are old enough, teach them to cook safely. Supervise them closely.
General First Aid for Burns & Scalds
- Treat a burn right away by putting it in cool water. Cool the burn for three to five minutes.
- Cover burn with a clean, dry cloth. Do not apply creams, ointments, sprays, or other home remedies.
- Remove all clothing, diapers, jewelry, and metal from the burned area. These can hide underlying burns and retain heat, which can increase skin damage.