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Show Foresight can prevent scald injuries as little as two seconds; yet washers, dishwashers and other appliances will operate as well with cooler water. So set that water tank lower or have it done by a serviceman. Bathing children must have continual supervision. If the phone rings, take the child out of the tub. It takes only seconds for young fingers to find the hot water tap. A further precaution: Install thermostatic faucets fau-cets and shower heads, which automatically mix water to a safe temperature. submitted li (hi-l.f (hi-l.f . Fire l)t i;iitnii iil Mi 're hk vple are burned by tml liquid scalds than by fire, electricity and caustic chemicals put together. And most scalds occur in the home with the young and the elderly the primary victims. Here are some ways to "scald-proof" your home. Turn your hot water tank below 130 degrees F. This setting not only saves energy, but greatly reduces the risk of tap-water scalds. Water at or about 1 40 degrees F, where many of us set our water tanks, can scald in Keep the kitchen scald safe. Keep pot handles turned inward on the stove, and don't let appliance cords dangle below countertop level. And dispense with a tablecloth if there are pre-schoolers in the house it may help prevent the child from pulling a vessel of hot liquid onto himself. As a final precaution, always use good stout pot holders when carrying hot pots and pans. Don't assume "I can take the heat" because if vou're wrong, your own reflexes can cause you to drop that hot vessel, scalding yourself and maybe others. What if a Scald Does Occur? (1) Treat a scald like any other bum; (2 ) remove the heat source to stop the burning; (3) use cool water copiously to cool the bum even after the heat source is removed as the tissue may have absorbed enough heat for further, deeper burning to occur; (4) do not apply sprays, greases, oils, or ointments as first aid these might hold the heat in; (5) cool water can drain away this heat, reducing bum severity, (6) first-degree burns (redness) can then be covered with a sterile dressing; (7) second-degree bums (blisters) need medical attention; atten-tion; (8) if the bum is large, get emergency aid fojUh-Victin?; pad (9) for a small second-degree bum, call your doctor. If the bum is serious, emergency care will be required. First, check the victim's breathing and stop any bleeding. Cover the burned area with a sterile pad or clean sheet. Use blankets to maintain body temperature, tempera-ture, and phone for emergency aid. Do not apply sprays, greases, oils or ointments to a serious bum. Stay with the victim until help arrives. Remember, scald injuries are preventable. |