Tips to keep kids safe from burns

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- More than half a million people make visits to the emergency room every year for burns. Most of those cases are scalding injuries -- caused by an extremely hot liquid. About 75% of scalding injuries happen to children.

It is National Burn Awareness Week, and experts from Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children's Hospital are offering parents tips and reminders to help keep their families safe around the house.

“Because of the proportions of a child’s body, they often have burns over a much larger percentage of their body surface,” Dr. Dina Morrissey said. “This means that children can be burned far more extensively.”

Experts also warn its not just children who are at risk for severe burns.

“Both young children and the elderly have thinner skin compared to the average adult, and therefore can burn more quickly and at a lower temperature," Dr. David Harrington explained.

Here are some of the tips from Harrington and Morrissey:

• Always keep pot handles turned inward and use the back burners if possible
• Be careful when heating liquids or steaming food in the microwave
• Never leave a hot beverage or plate unattended when a young child is present
• Do not use a microwave to heat baby formula
• Always check the water temperature before putting a child or dependent adult in the tub
• Consider purchasing a bath tub thermometer that will alert you if the water is too hot
• Never leave a child or dependent adult unattended in the bathtub

The Burn Center at Rhode Island Hospital treats about 100 patients annually.