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 August 3rd
last year was perhaps a fateful day in the life of Shalini Kareem. Along with her twin sister Malini, Shalini lived in Bangalore. The twins, studying in a local college, had a maid who cooked for them.
On that fateful day, the maid, while working in the kitchen, lit a stove and then tried to remove the kerosene can from the loft, when it toppled over. Apparently, the lid of the can was loose and came off. Kerosene poured out and drenched the maid. As the lighted stove was nearby, the kerosene ignited and the maid was instantly engulfed in flames.
Panic-stricken and fully ablaze, the maid ran to the room where Shalini was and embraced her tightly. Before Shalini could react, she was also afire. The maid and Shalini were rushed to the hospital where both of them succumbed to their burns five days later.
There are many more Shalinis who become the unfortunate victims of carelessness and lack of awareness about fires, burns and what to do in case of a fire. It is true that we just can’t live without fire and fuel in the kitchen but it is important that we learn to live with them safely, because most fires at home start from the kitchen. And remember, 80 percent of all fire incidents at home involve women and children. In the year 1996, the latest year for which official data is available, 5929 persons were killed in fires involving LPG cylinders and kerosene stoves. Of these 4695 were women. The figures speak for themselves. In 1996, in Tamil Nadu, 440 women fell prey to fire incidents involving kerosene stoves and LPG cylinders. The state has the dubious distinction of being number two in these incidents.
People have died, property has been destroyed, and many have been injured, all due to carelessness, negligence or sheer ignorance. Disaster strikes only when you are tense, hasty or panicky. The kitchen is a hazardous area. The Indian kitchens use open fires to cook and heat. Flammable items like Liquefied Petroleum Gas, kerosene and cooking oil are aplenty in our kitchens.
Although in the urban areas, LPG is the popular fuel for cooking, in semi-urban and rural areas, a vast majority still depends on the pressure stove using kerosene as the fuel. Many accidents involving the pressure stoves occur die to
over-pumping. A wick stove is safer than a pressure stove. Kerosene should never be filled in the stove when it is lit. For filling, the flame should be put out and the stove allowed to cool. Kerosene should always be stored away from the stove and also other sources of heat. It should always be stored in a metal container and lid always closed tightly after every use. In case kerosene is spilled on the floor while refilling, it should be wiped off immediately and the wiping rag suitably disposed. These rags should never be accumulated. They can also undergo spontaneous combustion.
The arrangement of the kitchen also needs some thought from the fire safety angle. Stoves, whether kerosene pressure types or LPG burners, should always be kept on a raised platform, never on the floor. You are more alert when you stand and cook. The problem of children running into the kitchen is also taken care of. Shelves should never be directly above, opposite or near the cooking area. A U-shape configuration is the best and safest for a kitchen as it provides a safe working triangle between stove, fridge and sink.
 The kitchen should have three distinct work areas – a wet preparation area, a cooking area, and a separate serving area. The cooking area should never be near a window. The cooking area should be at least 600 mm long. Also, if possible, one metre of free space is desirable on the cooking area’s side. There should not be any calendars or curtains near the cooking area. The kitchen should not have any open flames except for the stoves in the cooking area. A kitchen should always have a fire extinguisher ready and the lady of the house should be conversant on how to operate it if required.
A safe kitchen arrangement alone is not sufficient. It is necessary to adopt safe-cooking practices too. While cooking, never wear loose, flowing dresses. It is always better to tuck in the loose ends of the clothing. Long sleeve dresses should be avoided. Cotton should be the choice of clothing for the kitchen. Long hair should never be left loose while cooking. Hot vessels should always be lifted using tongs. Bags and dishcloth should never be used for this purpose.
In spite of all precautions, if fire accidents do occur, don’t panic. Panic makes the matter worse. Burns and scalds must be cooled as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage in the underlying tissue and to reduce pain, swelling and possible shock. The most effective way to cool the affected area is to flood it gently with cold water till the burning sensation subsides. Don’t apply ghee, butter, oil or any of those creams. In case the burn is serious, consult a doctor. Clothing which has been soaked in the boiling fluid should be removed as soon as it begins to cool. Clothing that is sticking to the burnt area should not be removed as it may introduce infection. Very small burns and scalds can be treated locally but in case the affected person is an infant or a sick or an elderly person, always seek medical advice.
If the clothes of a person are on fire the best strategy is to
Stop, Drop & Roll. Stop the casualty from panicking and running around or outside. This fans the flames. Drop the casualty to the ground and roll him / her along the ground till the flames are smothered. If water or any other non-flammable liquid is available the flames should be extinguished by dousing the casualty in plenty of the liquid. If your own clothes catch fire and help is not available, extinguish the flames by following the same technique of stop, drop and roll. Do not run. Running would only increase the flame, as it would get more supply of oxygen. Never apply any ointment or any other substance without consulting the doctor. Remember cold water is the best remedy for burns.
First-aid treatment for minor burns and scalds
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Reassure the casualty. Place the injured part under slowly running cold water or immerse it in cold water till pain persists.
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If no water is available, any cold liquid (non-reactive) such as milk or beer can be used.
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Gently remove any rings, watches, belts, shoes or other constricting clothing from the person of the injured before swelling commences.
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Dress the area with clean, preferably sterile, non-fluffy material.
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Do not use adhesive dressings.
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Do not apply lotions, ointments to the burnt area.
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Do not break blisters, remove any loose skin or otherwise interfere with the injured area.
Published on 21th
March 2002
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