Safety comes first at bath time

Taking a bath can be surprisingly hazardous.

In fact, about 80 children die from bathtub drownings every year nationwide.

Keep your shower and tub—and your family—safer at bath time by following these guidelines:

·         To reduce the risk of scalding, set your home's water heater to a maximum of 120 degrees. A safety test: Hold your hand under the tap when the hot water alone is running. Uncomfortable? Your water heater is set too high.

·         Keep electrical devices like hair dryers, curling irons and electric razors well away from the tub.

·         Never leave a child unattended in the bathtub for any reason. Children can drown in just a few inches of water, and can easily topple into the tub while you’re dashing out to answer the phone or get a towel. Don’t leave an older child in charge of a younger one in the bathroom.

·         Get supplies before filling the tub. Collect soap, towel, diaper, clothing and bath toys first. Place them where you can reach them easily.

·         Place a soft, insulated cover over the faucet to guard against accidental bath-time burns and bumps. They’re available at stores that sell baby supplies.

·         Prevent bathtub slips and falls by placing a rubber mat in the tub or affixing non-slip adhesive decals or strips to the bottom of the tub.

·         Teach your child to use extra caution when getting out of the tub. Place a non-slip bathroom rug near the tub to safely secure wet feet.