Tips to Prevent Scalds

• Adjust hot water heater so that the household water temperature delivered from all faucets will not exceed 49°C (120°F). 
• Replace bath faucets and shower heads with scald-guard equipment. These products keep water that exceeds 49°C (120°F) from coming through the faucets. The water is reduced to a trickle until the taps are manually adjusted to a safe temperature.
• Have mixing valves installed at various points of the water lines to affect baths, showers and sinks. This is the best option for tenants in multi-unit dwellings equipped with a central hot water tank.
• When cooking, turn pot handles to the back of the stove. If possible, only use the back elements.
• Use spill-resistant cups with a lid for hot liquids.
• Be aware that soup, coffee, tea and hot chocolate can cause serious burns.
• Keep appliances and cords out of reach
• Do not allow small children in your cooking area. It is easy to fall over a small child when carrying dangerously hot pots, pans or cups full of food or liquid.
• Microwaves can be dangerous. Food warmed in a microwave can be heated unevenly, leaving pockets of extremely hot temperatures.
• Prevent hot food or liquid pull-overs by using place mats instead of tablecloths.
• Never carry your child while cooking.
• Never drink hot liquids while breastfeeding your child.
• Provide constant close supervision when around burn hazards
• Use a barrier around the fireplace or in front of the glass
• Childproof bathrooms and laundry room doors
• Always supervise children in the bathroom, 65 per cent of all scald burns occur in the bathroom. 

Time/temperature interaction associated with scald burns

The American Journal of Pathology, (Mortiz & Henriqures 1947; 23:695-720) reports the time it would take to receive a severe burn from things we might often encounter as follows: