Be safe during National Burn Awareness Week

Next week is National Burn Awareness Week, an event sponsored by the American Burn Association that’s designed to educate people about the dangers of burn injuries. This year’s theme is cooking burns. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, cooking-related fires are the No. 1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. By following a few safety tips, you can prevent these type of fires.

The best time to cook is when you are wide awake. If you’re tired or have consumed alcohol or medications that cause drowsiness, don’t use the oven or stovetop. Always stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a moment, turn off the stove.

Keep a clear cooking area. Your stovetop should be clear of anything flammable, including oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains. Because children might not fully understand the fire danger in a kitchen, don’t let kids get within 3 feet of the stove.

Of the 173,000 annual cooking fires, 66% are the result of food or other cooking materials igniting, often grease or oil. Pay close attention anytime you are cooking with oil or grease. If an oil or grease fire does break out, turn off the heat source and smother the fire by placing a metal lid on the pan.

If you can’t cover the pan safely, but the fire is small and manageable, pour baking soda or salt on the flames. As a last resort, use a fire extinguisher. Never use water to put out a grease fire.

Three out of five nonfatal cooking fire injuries occurred when the victim tried to fight the fire themselves. If the fire cannot be put out quickly and safely, leave your house immediately and call 911 – do not re-enter your home until firefighters say it’s safe to do so.

By using proper cooking techniques and best practices, you can minimize your risk of cooking-related fires. North Mason Regional Fire Authority will be sharing additional safety tips on Facebook and Instagram through NBAW, Feb. 6 to 12.

■ Renee Wassenaar handles external communications for North Mason Regional Fire Authority.