Madison, WI,
01
February
2014
|
15:53 PM
America/Chicago
Is Your Home a 'Burn Zone?'
Follow these suggestions to prevent burns and scalding.

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Home is where your dreams live.
But it also can be a potentially dangerous “burn zone.”
These easy-to-follow tips can help you avoid burns and scalds in your home.
Be stove smart
- Don’t leave the stove or oven unattended when cooking.
- Point pot handles inward. Place hot dishes where they can’t be knocked down.
- Keep flammable items and loose-fitting garments away from burners.
- Create a “kid safety zone” – keep little ones at least three feet from the stove and oven.
- Use the back burners when young children are present.
- Stir and test microwaved food before eating.
- Replace old or worn oven mitts.
Prevent scalding
- Set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees or lower.
- Open heated food containers slowly, away from your face.
- Before taking a bath, run cold water first, then add hot, and test the water continuously to prevent it from getting too hot.
- Supervise young children and anyone who may have difficulty removing themselves from hot water.
If you must smoke…
- Don’t leave burning cigarettes, cigars or other smoking materials unattended.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Keep ashtrays away from flammable objects (curtains, newspapers, furniture, etc.).
Use smoke detectors
- Install smoke alarms on all levels of your home (including basements and attics) and near all sleeping rooms.
- Test all smoke alarms monthly.
- If someone in your home is hearing impaired, install flashing smoke alarms.
Remember, if you or a loved one have been burned or scalded, seek treatment immediately, and call a physician if the injury is severe.
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