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Besides social distancing and wearing a face mask, most of us are doing new things because of COVID-19. Things such as more at-home activities, which include cooking in the kitchen, firing up the grill or relaxing and enjoying s'mores around the fire pit.
And they all have one thing in common — high risk for cooking-related burns for you, your family and loved ones that could happen in an instant. Whether you're new to cooking or well-seasoned, the potential for burn injuries are on the rise across the country, and our emergency rooms are seeing them firsthand.
“No matter if it's around the grill or in the kitchen, we all have to be mindful when cooking, especially if there are more people at home,” said Dr. Timothy Laird, Interim Chief Medical Officer with Health First Medical Group. “A hot stove or grill, plus a distraction, are dangerous ingredients for cooking-related burns, which could lead to a trip to the emergency room if you're not careful.”
But it doesn't take much to help prevent accidental burns. And we're offering a friendly reminder for safety measures we've forgotten — or haven't used in a long time — to help us all safely enjoy delicious meals.
It's always important to cook with care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages safe cooking practices, such as never leaving food unattended on the stove. Also, remember to supervise or restrict children's use of stoves, ovens or microwaves.
Other vital tips to keep in mind include:
- Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking
- Wear oven mitts to help prevent oil spill or grease burns
- Have a first aid kit on hand to help treat oil splatter and other kitchen-related burns
- Consider having a fire extinguisher nearby when using fire pits and grills, as well as the kitchen stove
“We know there's a lot going on right now and want to make sure everyone stays safe at home,” said. Dr. Laird. “All it takes is a few seconds and remembering a few precautions to help protect yourself and your family.”
It's better to be safe than sorry. Minor burns can be treated at home. However, if you have a burn that is extremely painful, swells or starts to blister, seeking medical attention should be top priority. And we're here to help at any of our four Health First emergency room locations in Brevard. Find your closest Health First ER at HF.org/ER
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