National Burn Awareness Week

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

The American Burn Association recognizes the first full week in February as National Burn Awareness Week (NBAW). Burn Awareness Week serves as, "a window of opportunity for organizations to mobilize burn, fire and life safety educators to unite in sharing a common burn awareness and prevention message in our communities," according to ameriburn.org. The theme for 2022 is, Burning Issues in the Kitchen. Cooking is the number one cause of residential fires in the United States. In fact, the American Burn Association reports 47% of all home fires are caused by cooking. Below are some tips to keep you and your family safe while cooking in the kitchen.

• The best time to cook is when you are wide awake.
• Always wipe the stove, oven, and exhaust fan after cooking to prevent grease buildup.
• Turn pot or pan handles toward the back of the stove.
• When heating food in the microwave, use microwave-safe cookware that allows steam to escape.
• When frying, use a pan, lid, or splash guard to prevent grease splatter.
•  If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while cooking and use a timer to remind you to check on your food.