Wilton Fire Offers Tips on Scald Injury Prevention for Burn Awareness Week

From the Wilton Fire Department, Office of the Fire Marshal

Scalds - A Burning Issue

Scald injuries affect all ages. Young children and the elderly are most vulnerable. This is why
the American Burn Association and the Wilton Fire Department, in conjunction with Burn Awareness Week (Feb. 1-7) want to provide you with information on scald injury prevention.

Annually in the United States and Canada, over 500,000 people receive medical treatment for burn injuries. Roughly half of these injuries are scalds. Locally, the Connecticut Burn Center treats over 1,000 burn and scald injuries each year. Most burns occur in the home, usually in the kitchen or bathroom. Scalds can be prevented through increased awareness of scald hazards and by making simple environmental or behavioral changes.

These include providing a “kid-safe” zone while preparing and serving hot foods and beverages, and lowering the water heater thermostat to deliver water at a temperature not to exceed 120 degrees.

For more information about preventing scalds, contact the Wilton Fire Department at (203) 834-6249.

Read more on Patch:

• Weather Alert: Near Whiteout Driving Conditions and ‘Hazardous Weather Outlook’

• Tips on Preventing Frozen Pipes in Freezing Weather

• Severe Cold Weather Protocol Activated for Connecticut

• ‘Be a Hero, Save a Hero’ with Fire Safety Tips

• Make Slain Sandy Hook Teacher a Jedi Knight

Have a news tip? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.

Click below to sign up for our newsletter and breaking news alerts.