What to do if cooking with flammable clothing or long hair?

Question

Learn the essential safety precautions if you have long hair or loose clothing. Find out what to do to prevent them from catching fire while cooking.

Answer 1

Immediately stop cooking, move away from the heat source, and smother the flames with a fire blanket or heavy cloth. If your hair catches fire, drop to the ground and roll to extinguish the flames.

Detailed Explanation:

Cooking with flammable clothing or long, loose hair presents a significant fire hazard in the kitchen. Here's a breakdown of what to do if either catches fire:

1. Assess the Situation: Quickly determine the extent of the fire and the immediate danger. Is it a small, contained flame, or is it spreading rapidly?
2. Stop, Drop, and Roll (for Hair): If your hair catches fire, immediately drop to the ground and roll over and over. This helps to smother the flames and deprive them of oxygen. Cover your face with your hands to protect it from burns.
3. Smother the Flames (for Clothing): If your clothing catches fire, do not run. Running will fan the flames and make the fire worse. Instead, use a fire blanket, a large, heavy cloth (like a towel or tablecloth), or even a large pot lid to smother the flames. Wrap the person in the blanket or cloth, ensuring the fire is completely covered.
4. Call for Help: Once the fire is extinguished, call for medical assistance immediately, even if the burns appear minor. Burns can be deceptive, and it's crucial to get them assessed by a medical professional.
5. Cool the Burn: After the fire is out and help is on the way, cool the burned area with cool (not cold) running water for 10-20 minutes. This helps to relieve pain and prevent further damage.

Pro Tip:

Prevention is key! Always tie back long hair and wear short sleeves or close-fitting, fire-resistant clothing while cooking. Keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket readily accessible in the kitchen and know how to use them.