Burn prevention: Kitchen burn and scald prevention

Did you know that every 60 seconds, someone in the United States sustains a burn injury serious enough to require treatment? Learning about burn prevention will help prevent burns and scalds in the kitchen.

Cooking Safety & Burn Prevention

Children under the age of five are five times more likely to be burned by cooking than others. Adults older than 65 are also 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.

Burn and Scald Prevention in the Kitchen

• The best time to cook is when you are wide awake, and not drowsy from medications or alcohol.
• Always wipe clean the stove, oven, and exhaust fan to prevent grease buildup.
• Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking.
• Place objects on the stove and counters so they cannot be pulled down or knocked over.
• Turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge.
• Use dry oven mitts or potholders. Hot cookware can heat moisture in a potholder or hot pad, resulting in a scald burn.
• Keep a pan lid and dry potholders or oven mitts near you EVERY time you cook.
• When heating food in the microwave, use microwave-safe cookware that allows steam to escape.
• Allow food to rest before removing 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.
• After cooking, check the kitchen to ensure all burners and other appliances are turned off.

Cooking Safety Around Children

• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove.
• Never hold a child while cooking, drinking a hot liquid or carrying hot foods or liquids.

Put Out a Kitchen Fire

1. Cover the pan with its lid. A cookie sheet works too. Leave covered until the pan is cool. NEVER move the pot or carry it outside - the pot is too hot to handle, and the contents may splash, causing a severe burn.
2. Turn the heat off. The fire should quickly put itself out with the lid on and the heat off. NEVER use water to put out a kitchen fire. Water will cause the oil to splatter and spread the fire or scald you as it vaporizes.
3. If the fire is inside the oven or microwave, keep the door shut and turn it off. Keep closed until it is cool.
4. If the fire gets out of control- get out, stay out and call 9-1-1. Don’t return inside for any reason.

General First-Aid for Burns and Scalds

• Treat a burn immediately by putting it in cool water for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth.
• Do not apply creams, ointments, sprays or other home remedies.
• Remove all clothing, diapers, jewelry and metal from the burned area. These can hide underlying burns and retain heat, which can increase skin damage.
• See your doctor or call 911 if the burn is larger than your palm.

Resources:

U.S. Fire Administration: Burn Prevention First Aid and Calling 911