MEET MRS. HOTPOTS
That’s our Burn Prevention Coordinator, Gina Stenner. As Mrs. HotPots, Gina introduces burn and scald prevention education to 3 and 4-year olds at Valley preschools.
Because children under the age of 5 are one of the most vulnerable groups for burn and scald injuries, Mrs. HotPots’ story-time program addresses burn safe behaviors for both the preschoolers and their parents.
Information that shows how to plan and practice an escape from a burning home goes to parents with our Protect Your Child and What To Do If You Are Burned handouts. Preventing burn and scald incidents in their homes is the focus of this effort.
Since this program started in July of 2008, Mrs. HotPots has visited over 150 preschools throughout the Valley. She has shared her story with more than 6000 three, four and five year olds.
MRS. HOTPOTS’ MESSAGE TO PARENTS
Please observe these tips to keep everyone in your home safe from burns or scalds:
- Keep children out of the kitchen. Always have a “kid-free zone” in any area of your home where you are cooking.
- Turn pot handles to the back of the stove while cooking.
- When cooking with any small appliance, such as a coffee pot or crockpot, keep them at the back of kitchen counters.
- When drinking hot liquids such as coffee or tea, do not hold or carry a child.
- When cooking in the microwave, open food containers slowly after heating to avoid a steam burn. Do not allow young children to use the microwave.
- Keep lighters and matches locked up, away from children.
- Always test the temperature of bath water before bathing a child.