Safety Tips to Prevent Scald Injuries

A scald is any burn caused by a hot liquid or steam. Bathing and kitchen-related accidents are the most common causes of scalds and CAN be prevented.  The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas offers tips to help make your home a safe environment in its “Hot Liquids Burn” brochure (funded by the Department of Homeland Security-United States Fire Administration Fire Prevention and Safety Grant).

If someone should sustain a scald injury, The Burn Center recommends the following:

1. Remove any wet clothing and run cool water over the burn to slow down the burning process.
2. Avoid using home remedies or ice which often makes a burn worse.
3. Seek IMMEDIATE medical attention by calling 9-1-1, visiting your physician or seeking emergency care at a hospital/burn center. Delaying treatment can result in a more serious injury.

Safety Tips to Prevent Scald Injuries brochure (pdf) - English version Safety Tips to Prevent Scald Injuries brochure (pdf) - Spanish version

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