The American Burn Association has identified Feb. 1-7 as National Burn Awareness Week, and the Key Largo Fire Rescue and EMS District wants to help prevent fires and burn injuries.
Kitchen fires are the leading cause of all home burn injuries and fires. About half of all home fires involve cooking equipment. The following tips to prevent fires and burns in the kitchen are provided by the American Burn Association.
- Make sure you are wide awake when cooking. Don’t cook when you are drowsy from medication or alcohol.
- Keep the stove, oven and exhaust fan clean from grease buildup. Keep combustibles (paper towels, napkins, cloth towels, cardboard, newspapers, etc.) away from hot stoves or appliances. Never store anything inside the oven.
- Wear short sleeves or close-fitting sleeves while cooking.
- Protect your young ones, animals and yourself from grease burns by turning pot and pan handles toward the back of the stove.
- Keep a pan lid and dry potholders near you when you cook.
- Use only microwave-safe cookware in the microwave.
- Prevent grease splatter with a lid or splash guard.
- Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you have to leave, turn off the stove. If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly and remain in the home while it is cooking. Set a timer to remind you to check on your cooking.
- After cooking, check the kitchen to make sure all burners and other appliances are turned off. Double-check before leaving the kitchen.
If your food does catch fire:
- Cover the pan with its lid. A cookie sheet can work as well. Leave it covered until it cools. Never move the pot or carry it outside. It is hot and the contents can splash, causing a severe burn.
- Turn off the heat.
- Never use water to put out a kitchen fire. Water will cause oil to splatter and spread the fire, or scald you as it vaporizes.
- If the fire is inside the oven or microwave, keep the door closed and turn it off. Keep it closed until the oven is cool.
- If the fire gets out of control, get out, stay out and call 911. Don’t go back in for any reason.
More information is available from the Key Largo Fire Rescue and EMS District at 305-451-2700 or at www.ameriburn.org.
