Did you know cooking causes 44% of all reported home fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association?
Here at the UofL Health – UofL Hospital – Burn Center, we frequently treat burn injuries from kitchen accidents.
Here are some things you can do to prevent a burn while cooking:
- Cook when you are wide awake and not drowsy from medications or alcohol.
- Keep the stove, oven and exhaust fan clean to prevent grease build up.
- Keep a pan lid, potholders or oven mitts close every time you cook.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
- Allow food to rest before removing from the microwave.
- Use a pan lid to prevent grease splatter.
- Always stay in the kitchen when cooking, use a timer to remind yourself to check on your food.
- After cooking, make sure you turn off all appliances and stove top burners.
These tips will help you prevent a fire from cooking and prevent a painful burn injury, but we know there is room for an accident. What should you do if a kitchen or cooking fire happens?
- If the food is on fire, cover the pan with a lid or baking sheet. Do not move the pot or try to carry it outside. The hot food can splash causing a severe burn.
- Turn the burner or heat source off. Do not use water to put the fire out. Water will cause grease and oil to splatter or spread the fire.
- For microwave fires, keep the door shut and turn the microwave off until the fire stops.
- If the fire gets out of control, call 911 and leave the home. Do not return inside for any reason.
Cooking safety is simple and just takes a few extra moments to ensure a burn injury doesn’t occur. Don’t be a victim of a preventable accident!
UofL Hospital – Burn Center treats more than 500 patients annually from all over the tri-state area. We care for patients with chemical, electrical, flame/thermal and scald burns or complex wounds or skin conditions. Our goal is to assist patients and families towards recovery and getting back to their lives.
