This week is Burn Awareness Week and a local burn center is joining with a national organization to bring attention to this danger.
According to the West Penn Hospital Burn Center and the American Burn Association, cooking burns are the most common type of burns affecting kids, adults, and seniors.
Nearly half of all home fires are caused by cooking and older adults are particularly vulnerable due to impairments that can slow reaction times in case of emergencies. Kids are also at high risk due to motor skills that are still developing and the need for adult supervision.
Experts recommend that those using the stove not wear long or loose sleeves while cooking, cook on the back burners when possible, and never leave the house while cooking. Also, young kids should not be allowed to use the microwave.