National Burn Awareness Week is February 6-12, 2022 and the Carbondale Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to share a Burn Awareness and Prevention message from the American Burn Association with our community.
- 47% of all home fires are caused by cooking
- Preventing a burn injury is always better than the pain and trauma of medical treatment afterward
- The best time to cook is when you are wide awake, and not drowsy from medications or alcohol
- Always wipe clean the stove, oven, exhaust fan to prevent grease buildup
- Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking
- Keep a pan lid and dry potholders or oven mitts near you EVERY time you cook
- Turn pot or panhandles toward the back of the stove
- When heating food in the microwave, use microwave-safe cookware that allows steam to escape
- Allow food to rest before removing it from the microwave
- When frying, use a pan lid or splash guard to prevent grease splatter
- Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave, turn off the stove
- If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you to check on your cooking
- Cook on the back burners of the stove when possible
- After cooking, check the kitchen to make sure all burners and other appliances are turned off
- Adults >65 are at much higher risk of injury and death from a kitchen fire due to physical, visual, hearing, or mental impairments that may slow the quick action necessary in a fire emergency
- The thinner skin of older adults burn faster and deeper
For more education on cooking safety, please read Cooking Safety for All provided by the American Burn Association.