Scald hazards highlighted by Burn Awareness Week

Hot water scalds are the leading cause of burns to young children, and that's why National Burn Awareness Week is focusing on that type of burn.

Hot tap water is the cause of almost one in four of all scald burns among children.

A child exposed to a 140ºF liquid for five seconds will sustain a third-degree burn.

Young children are particularly at risk because they can't recognize heat related hazards quickly enough to react.  In addition, a child's skin is also thinner than adults and burns at lower temperatures, and more quickly.

Mike Page with the Grand Junction Fire Department says there are easy ways to prevent this type of burn.

"One of the most important things is to have your hot water heater set to where children's burns don't occur from the hottest of water that you could put out of the tap," Page explained.

Using the back burners on the stove, and creating a child free zone in your kitchen so that children can't grab hot handles or glasses, are just two of the additional ways you can create a safer environment for kids.

You should also test water on yourself first.  If it's too hot for you, then it's too hot for your child.

For more information regarding burns and how best to safeguard yourself and those you love, visit: http://www.ameriburn.org/preventionBurnAwareness.php