The University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center estimates about half of the burn injuries it treats are from scalding, Local 4's Consumer Investigator Ruth Spencer reported.

It can happen in an instant. The water temperature in your shower suddenly skyrockets, burning your skin. It can happen when a toilet flushes or when the dishwasher comes on for no apparent reason.

SCALDING Anti-Scald Campaign

Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to these injuries because their skin is thinner and it's harder for them to maneuver out of the way, Local 4 reported.

"A scald injury can be full thickness, which is a third-degree burn. And, if it covers a large enough portion of the body, it can actually be a fatal injury," said Dr. Maggie Brandt, of the University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center.

Sisters Jan, Lori and Connie know how devastating a scald injury can be. Their 80-year-old father, Emil Malaniak, was taking a shower at his senior living community when there was a sudden rise in the water temperature.

"He said that he tried to turn it off. He took the shower curtain, pulled it in front of him so he wouldn't get hurt, but at that point he had already gotten burned," said Lori Menyhart, the victim's daughter.

Malaniak died of complications from his burns one month later. For his daughters, the worst part is that his death was preventable.

"He would probably be here today if he hadn't had the accident," said Connie Elstone, daughter.

Every year, nearly 4,000 people are scalded at home by tap water that's too hot.

At 122 degrees, it takes 30 seconds for a child to get a third-degree burn. But at 149 degrees, a third-degree burn is instant, Local 4 reported.

One remedy to the problem is to lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees, but experts recommend anti-scald devices (pictured, right) to regulate the flow of hot water.

Local 4 learned that even if the water heater is set at 120 degrees, heat rises and the water at the top of the tank can reach up to 150 degrees.

A plumber can install a temperature-actuated device to protect against scalding. The device attaches to a showerhead or faucet.

"When the water that's flowing through this device gets too hot, it snaps shut and closes the water flow off down to a drip," said one plumber.

A thermostatic mixing valve attaches to your water heater and blends hot and cold water together.

Thermostatic mixing devices cost about $30 and are available at home improvement stores.

Malaniak's daughters settled out of court with the senior living facility.

They donated money to the University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center to help raise awareness about scald injury prevention.