Do you know what temperature your hot water heater is set at? Many hot water heaters only have Low/Med/High settings with line markers in between. If you have babies or young children living in your home use an outdoor grade thermometer to check the temperature of your hot water. It is safest to keep the temperature below 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent tap water burns. Burns are the 2nd leading cause of death in children as they have thinner skin than an adult and burn faster. Be sure to always test the water with your wrist or elbow before you put the child into the bathtub. There are anti-scald devices that can be used in your home. In fact, that is now required when building new homes. Ask your plumber or your local hardware store for more information. NEVER keep the water running while they climb in, because the temperature may change. It only takes a second or two to sustain 3rd degree burns if the water is too hot.
Go to http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/child-safety/CC00044 for more information on how to prevent these and other burns.
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