February 5-11, 2023 is National Burn Awareness Week. Kennett Square Police Department would like to remind the community of some easy things to prevent burns around the home.

• To prevent scalding, set the thermostat on your water heater to below 120 F (49 C). Always check the water temperature with your hand before bathing your baby. Aim for bath water around 100 F (38 C).
• Don't take the risk. Make sure your child is in a safe place while you're handling hot liquids or foods like in a playpen or highchair. 
• Identify the areas around your kitchen where you prepare, handle and transfer hot food and then create a "kid-free zone" around these areas.
• As tempting as it is to pee headfirst into a newly heated meal, if your meal has a lid, open it AWAY from your body!
• Cooking finished late, the family is hungry, and you’re tired. Don’t be tempted to use a hand towel to take your food out of the oven. KSPD wants everyone to make smart choices and always wear their oven mitts when handling hot food and containers.
• It’s easy to ruin your day when preventable accidents occur. An easy way to minimize your exposure to preventable burn risks by using the lid that comes with your travel mug.

Source: American Burn Association