According to a story in the Washington Post, more people are suffering burn injuries in the kitchen due to the coronavirus pandemic. Because more folks are cooking for themselves, they are more likely to get scalded or burned, and many end up in the hospital.
Burn injuries tend to go up during the holidays in any event. The National Fire Protection Association reports that burn injuries increase typically 250% on Thanksgiving Day during a typical year. There are some sensible reasons for this. Some people only cook during the holidays or they cook more food during this time, so there are more burners going. With everything so hectic, it is easy to accidentally touch a hot pan or splash the contents of one all over you. Many hospitals are reporting more burn injuries in 2020 due to cooking, so we are braced for the Christmas season. Our Miami personal injury lawyers encourage everyone to practice safety in the kitchen as the year comes to a close.
Put Out Fires Properly
Grease fires are fairly common, especially with turkeys and other meats cooking. Experts recommend never throwing water on a grease fire. All that will do is disperse the grease—and the fire. Many people end up getting burned after dousing a grease fire with water.
Instead, cut off the oxygen a fire needs to burn by putting a lid back on. You can also douse the fire with baking soda–though that will probably ruin the food. More serious fires warrant a fire extinguisher, which should be nearby.
Get Help in the Kitchen
You can reduce the chances of a fire by having some help in the kitchen—but not too much. Too many cooks in the kitchen lead to accidents and fires. But having a co-cook can reduce stress and ensure that pots get taken off the burner in a timely manner.
Even better, you can cook foods before the big holiday meal and then reheat them in the microwave, which is very safe.
Whatever you do, don’t drink alcohol in the kitchen. Doctors report that intoxicated people are overrepresented as burn victims every holiday year. Instead, unwind with some soft music or simply some quiet time as you cook.
Watch Out for Defective Products
Defective products that cause burn injuries are other hazards to be aware of. For example, NBC News reports that Crock-Pot has just recalled 1 million pressure cookers because the lids do not fully lock. Consequently, as the pot pressurizes, it can spray hot food and liquids around the kitchen, burning anyone nearby.
The company already reports that nearly 100 people have suffered burn injuries due to this defect. Check whether your product is subject to the recall and contact the company for information about receiving a replacement lid.
Stay Safe in the Kitchen this Year
Burn injuries are serious and can result in permanent disabilities and scarring. If you were hurt in an accident, please contact Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein LLP today. You can meet for a free consultation with a Miami personal injury lawyer by calling 305-371-2692.