context: Every 60 seconds, someone in the U. S. is burned. Where is this most likely to happen? Inside your home. Hot stoves, scalding bathwater, and space heaters are just a few household items that can cause severe burns. Here are the steps you can take to keep you and your family safe. In the Kitchen Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires and burn injuries. Take these steps to keep from getting hurt: Don't cook if you're holding a child. First, put them into a high chair nearby Never walk away from a hot stove Turn all your pot handles inward so they can't be knocked over If you're nursing, don't warm your baby's bottle in a microwave. Microwaves don't heat evenly and can create hot spots that burn your baby's mouth. Slowly open any container that's been heated in the microwave. The steam inside it can burn you. Store lighters, matches, and flammable liquids in a high cabinet where children can't reach them. In the Bathroom Scalding tap water can send kids to the hospital. In some cases, these burns can even be fatal. To avoid burns from tap water: Set the thermostat of your water heater below 120 F (48.9 C) to prevent scalding. Always check the temperature of bathwater on your wrist or elbow before placing a child in the tub. Unplug curling irons, steam irons, and any other appliances that give off heat when you're not using them. In the Bedroom It's a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher on every floor of your house. But you're less likely to need it if you make a rule to only smoke outside your home. Never smoke in bed. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can catch fire. Always turn them off when you leave. Set lighted candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable. Blow them out before you fall asleep or go into a different room. In Other Living Spaces Most people know to unplug an appliance right away if it starts smoking or sparking. To prevent getting burned in other ways, plug all appliances into the wall, not into extension cords. Replace electrical cords if they look cracked or frayed. Protect your fireplace with a screen. If yours has a glass door, be aware that it takes a long time to cool down after your fire goes out. If you have small children, cover all unused electrical outlets. When You're Outside Everyone, no matter their skin color, is at risk for sunburn. Always use sunscreen when spending time outside. Choose one with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Apply it 30 minutes before you go outside, and reapply it every 2 hours. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and a hat with a wide brim. Keep babies 6 months old and younger out of direct sunlight. Only use sunscreen on small areas of your baby's body, like his face or the backs of his hands. Keep your grill far away from your house. Watch kids carefully and don't allow any horseplay near it. Store gasoline in your garage or a detached shed. Start your lawnmower or snow blower outside. Make sure the motor is cool before you refuel. During a House Fire Three out of 5 families have an escape plan in case of fire, but 1 in 4 actually have practiced it. Follow these tips to get out safely: Install smoke detectors on every floor of your home, including bedroom hallways, your kitchen, living room, and near your furnace. Test them every month so you know when to replace the batteries. Teach your kids what to do in case of a fire. They should know to crawl to safety as well as how to âstop, drop, and rollâ if their clothes catch on fire. Invest in a safety ladder. If your home has an upstairs level, this can help your children get out quickly. You'll also need to practice using it. Never go back into a burning building. If your home does catch on fire, get to safety and wait for firefighters.