Safe At Home: National Scald Prevention Campaign

1. National Scald Prevention Campaign Presented by Insert Your Name/Logo Here

2. Scald Prevention Developed by National Scald Prevention Campaign Steering Committee This document was prepared under a grant from FEMA’s Grants Programs Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; AFG Fire Prevention and Safety Grants.  Points of view or opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of FEMA’s Grants Program Directorate or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

3. Burn and Fire Deaths and Injuries • Annual United States Statistics • 3,400 deaths • 450,000 burn injuries treated • 30,000 hospitalized in specialized burn centers • One-third of people admitted to burn centers are for scald injuries SOURCE: American Burn Association: Burn Incidence & Treatment in the U.S., 2013  Fact Sheet

4. Burn and Fire Deaths and Injuries • Overwhelming majority (84%) of scald burns happen in our homes! SOURCE: American Burn Association: Burn Incidence & Treatment in the U.S., 2013 Fact Sheet

5. Dangerous Attitudes About Scalds “It won’t happen in my house!” “I only turned my back for a second!” “I never thought tap water could get that hot!”

6. What is a Scald Injury? • A scald injury occurs… • When contact with hot liquid or steam damages one or more layers of skin

7. Scald Prevention Topics • What are the frequent causes of scald injury? • Who are the most frequent victims? • How can scald burn injuries be prevented?

8. Frequent Sources of Scald Injury • Hot Beverage Spills • Cooking • Hot Tap Water

9. Most Frequent Scald Injury Victims • Young Children • Older adults

10. Types of Burn Injuries to Children 62% of all burns to young children are scalds Source: American Burn Association National Burn Repository 2014

11. Why are Younger Children at Risk? • Curiosity, imitation • Limited understanding of danger • Children watching younger children

12. Why are Younger Children at Risk? • Limited ability to react quickly to hot contact • Thin skin = deeper burn • Small body = big burn

13. Why are Older Adults at Risk? • Thin skin = deeper burn • Reduced mobility, agility, vision, general awareness • Reduced ability to feel heat, due to health conditions or medication

14. Where do Most Scald Injuries Occur? • Kitchen/dining areas • Bathrooms

15. What Factors Determine Scald Injury Severity? • Nature of substance • Temperature of substance • Length of contact • Extent of body area scalded • Location of scald • Skin thickness

16. Protecting Children From Scalds • Household modifications • Everyday precautions • Adult supervision of children NEW PICTURE

17. Protecting Children from Scalds: Kitchen and Dining Areas Household Modifications • Mark and explain a “No-Kid Zone” • Avoid using tablecloths • Use “travel mugs” with spill-resistant lids

18. Protecting Children from Scalds: Kitchen and Dining Areas • Avoid cluttered countertops • Keep hot food and beverages away from counter and table edges

19. Protecting Children from Scalds: Kitchen and Dining Areas • Keep crock pots and fryers away from counter edge • Keep appliance cords short or coiled • Avoid using extension cords

20. Protecting Children from Scalds: Kitchen and Dining Areas Visitor rules • Educate friends, relatives, caregivers and babysitters about scald risks • Encourage them to practice safety behaviors

21. Protecting Children from Scalds: Kitchen and Dining Areas • Cook on rear burners • Turn pan handles away from stove front

22. Protecting Children from Scalds: Kitchen and Dining Areas • Supervise at all times • Keep hot food and liquids out of reach • Never hold a young child when: • Preparing or serving hot food • Drinking a hot beverage

23. Protecting Children and Older Adults from Scalds: Kitchen and Dining Areas Safety Underfoot • Use non-slip floor mats near food preparation areas

24. Protecting Children and Older Adults from Scalds: Kitchen and Dining Areas • Wipe up spills immediately • Be sure path is clear when carrying or serving food (pets, children, toys, etc.)

25. Protecting Children and Older Adults from Scalds: Microwave Ovens • Place on countertop, not mounted above stove • Use only microwave-safe cookware • Allow food to cool before opening door

26. Protecting Children and Older Adults from Scalds: Microwave Ovens • Always open lids or coverings away from your face to allow hot steam to escape • Mix foods before serving

27. Scalds Away From Home • Restaurants • Campsites • Grandparent homes • Other caregiver homes

28. Tap Water Scalds

29. Time and temperature for water to cause a serious burn in a healthy adult Setting a Safe Hot Water Temperature

30. Standards Recommended residential standard: 120°F (48°C) or below “Medium” setting (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) Nursing homes and child care facilities: 110°F (43°C) (Recommended by some state or local regulations) Source: Peck M, Brewer AC, Pressman M, Blank E, Mickalide A. Hot tap water legislation in the United States. J Burn Care Res 2010;31(6):918-25.

31. Protecting Children and Older Adults from Scalds: Bathrooms • Household Modifications • Set water heather thermostat starting at 120° F (48° C) • Consider installing temperature control devices • Practice fall prevention measures

32. Setting a Safe Hot Water Temperature • Run hot water up to two minutes at tap • Test temperature withcooking thermometer • Lower setting as needed

33. Bathroom Scald Prevention: Equipment • Tempering Valve • on water line • Anti-Scald Valves • on shower heads and faucets

34. Bathroom Scald Prevention: Equipment Fall Prevention • Grab bars • Non-slip mats in tub/shower and on floor • Shower/bath chair

35. Bathroom Scald Prevention: Precautions • For single control faucet, always turn on and off in the “cold” position • For dual control faucet, always turn “cold” faucet on first, and off last • Make sure all household members and caregivers understand these controls

36. Bathroom Scald Prevention: Behaviors • Check water temperature before placing child in tub or shower • Instruct carefully any older siblings who help bathe young children • Young children should never be left alone in the tub

37. www.flashsplash.org

38. Summary Statement Scalds are Preventable! High Risk Groups are: • Children under 5 years of age • Older Adults

39. National Scald Prevention Campaign This presentation, and the images and photographs contained herein, may not be reproduced for profit without the permission of the National Scald Prevention Steering Committee.