When Susie was just 14 months old she fell into a bath of hot water as she reached for her toys. Forty-five percent of her body was burned within seconds, including her chest, legs, feet, arms and hands. These burns left her with extensive and permanent scarring. Since then little Susie has undergone several surgeries to release contractures to her hands and feet. As Susie develops she will need ongoing surgery.

Susie spent three months in Middlemore Hospital in South Auckland being treated. As her family lived in the South Island (where the incident occurred), this created a number of problems. Initially, her mother was flown to Auckland with her, followed several days later by her father, and then several weeks later, by her older sister. It was difficult enough going through such a traumatic event - but being plucked from familiar surroundings and people was even harder.

Susie’s burns from hot water were preventable. However, she is among more than 180 children each year rushed to hospital with hot water burns – from hot tap water or other hot substances. Most children burned are aged under five years. Like Susie some of these children require many surgeries, and months of treatment.

Being aware of the dangers of hot water is the first step in preventing a burn to a young child. Some other tips to help you keep kids safe in and around the home include -

Keeping hot drinks away from young children and never nursing a child while holding a hot drink.

Keeping kettles and kettle cords where children can’t reach them.

Cooking on the back elements of the stove first and turning pot handles toward the back of the stove.

Avoiding heating babies’ drinks in microwaves. If you do use them, always shake the bottle well once it’s heated.

Always supervising young children at bath or shower time and when they wash their hands.

Running cold water into the bath before you run the hot water.

Using childproof ‘covers’ on your hot taps.

Considering having the kitchen and bathroom as “‘no play” zones.

A safe temperature for hot tap water is between 50 and 55 degrees. If the water in your home seems too hot, ask a registered plumber or local energy supplier to check it and turn it down.

And, if your child is burned, know how to treat him or her.

Run water from the cold tap over the burn for between 10 and 20 minutes.

Once cooled, remove clothing from the burned area. If clothing sticks, cut around the fabric.

Be careful not to touch the burn or burst any blisters as this can cause infection.

Cover the burn with clean non-fluffy material e.g. a sheet or loosely wrap in cling film to prevent infection. Note: Do not put cling film on the face.

Get advice about the burn from your doctor or local hospital.