During the sacred month of Ramadhan, the preparation of special Ramadhan cuisine sees a significant rise. However, this surge in culinary activity also heightens the risk of kitchen fires, primarily attributed to the intense heat generated by gas stoves used for cooking, heightened by the presence of various electrical appliances essential in the kitchen.
During Ramadhan, the number of meals decreases as instead of three basic meals, it becomes a single meal, in addition to Suhoor. However, studies and annual reports issued during the holy month confirm that women spend from 40 to 60 per cent of their time in the kitchen to prepare iftar. It is therefore natural for them to be more exposed to risks, especially with children in the kitchen with them, where attention is distracted.
It is necessary to take safety precautions, especially since this holy month is associated with recognised social customs, as most home fire incidents during the month occur during the afternoon, which are the result of not taking caution during cooking operations and not checking the gas cylinder or as a result of children messing around.
Be careful to avoid fire risks resulting from oil coming into contact with flammable sources, by not filling frying pans to the brim with oil, especially since oil turns into flammable steam at a temperature of 240 degrees Celsius.
Housewives must be careful when heating foods in the microwave, by constantly monitoring and not using metal utensils inside them, and by inspecting the gas extensions and electrical connections and performing the necessary maintenance on them.
The General Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance confirmed that with the advent of the holy month and its special characteristics, and in light of the increased use of heat sources in kitchens for long periods of time, it is necessary to follow preventive and public safety measures to avoid accidents.
The authority noted that caution should be taken during cooking operations, that the gas cylinder should be inspected, that the electricity should be disconnected after finishing using electrical appliances, and that sharp tools and dangerous materials should be placed out of the reach of children.
It is also noted that housewives and domestic workers should not wear loose clothes or made of highly flammable materials while preparing food.
They should also check the safety of gas pipelines and turn off electrical switches after preparing the food.
Amid the push and bustle of kitchen activities, many women can make some common mistakes. Therefore, you should know it, to avoid falling into it. It is true that the kitchen is the place designated for preparing food, but it can sometimes turn into a dangerous area that causes wounds, burns, and other injuries. To avoid these risks, one must adhere to general safety standards.
It is recommended as necessary of providing safety supplies, manual fire extinguishers, and smoke and gas leakage detectors in all home kitchens, and learning how to use them during emergency situations.
It is also necessary to be familiar with first aid in cases of burns, including first and second-degree burn first aid, in which you have to:
• Cool the burned part with cold water for 10-15 minutes or until the pain subsides. Also, cover the burned part by placing a dry, sterile bandage on the affected part. One can also give the injured person a pain reliever.
However, it is not recommended to put pieces of ice on the burned part, so as not to increase tissue damage. It is also wise to transport the injured person to the nearest medical centre immediately if the burned part is large.
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