The American Burn Association hosts Burn Awareness Week during the first full week of February. The theme for 2022 is cooking safety.
Did you know that cooking is the top cause of home fires? In this article, we’ll highlight cooking safety tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe.
Prevent Cooking Fires
Cook when you’re awake and alert. Drowsy cooking can lead to carelessness. Use a timer to remind you when it’s time to check on the food you’re preparing. Keep the stove, oven, and exhaust fan clean to prevent grease from building up. If you’re frying food, prevent grease splattering by using a pan lid or splash guard to contain the grease.
If you leave the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling, turn off the stove. Stay at home while food is baking, simmering, roasting, or boiling. Turn pot/pan handles toward the back of the stove to prevent them from being bumped into. Make sure all burners and appliances are turned off when you’re finished cooking.
Managing Cooking Fires
Kitchen fires can cause damage quickly. If your food catches on fire, you might be able to contain it by covering the pan with its lid or a sheet pan. Immediately turn the heat off and keep the pan covered until it’s cooled off. If you try to move it, the contents could splash and cause a severe burn.
Do not use water to extinguish a kitchen fire. It causes oil to splatter, spreading the fire. It can also scald you as it vaporizes. If the fire occurs in the oven or microwave, keep the door shut and turn it off. Don’t open the door until it has cooled. If a kitchen fire gets out of control, evacuate the building and call 911.
Ready to learn more? You can get additional cooking safety tips from the American Burn Association.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
