BWA Fact Sheet on Keeping Children Safe when Boiling Water

With a Boil Water Advisory in effect, you will probably be using your stove and kettle more. Scalds from hot liquids are the most common burn injury in children. For homes with young children, it is important to keep these tips in mind.

Be aware that children burn quickly

Remember that children's skin is thinner and more sensitive. A child's skin burns four times more quickly and more deeply than an adult's at the same temperature.

Use water at the correct temperature

Wait for boiled water to cool to a temperature of 49° C (120° F) or less before allowing it to touch a child's skin. A clean candy or meat thermometer is a good tool for testing the water.

Keep children safely out of the way in the kitchen

Make sure that young children stay in a high chair, playpen or chair at the table, or use a safety gate to keep them out of the kitchen while you boil water.

Move cords and pot handles out of reach

Keep cords from hanging down and turn pot handles toward the centre of the stove.

Use the back burners but be aware of your own safety

Boiling water on the back burners of your stove will keep it farther from a child's reach but be careful as you reach past the front burners and never wear dangling clothing near the stove.

Watch your own use of hot water near children

Remember that young children move quickly and like to reach and grab. Although the water you are using may not be too hot for you as an adult, it may scald a child.

Adapted from materials prepared by Safe Kids Canada, the National Injury Prevention Program of Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children.