ARLINGTON, TEXAS — A busy holiday kitchen is often at the heart of celebrations and gatherings, but potential dangers lurk as families craft the perfect roasted turkey and pumpkin pie.

“A bubbling pot on the stove and children or pets nearby are familiar sights in many holiday kitchens,” said Melanie McMahon, R.N., M.S.N., CCRN, CBRN, burn program manager at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. “But these everyday moments can quickly turn dangerous. A pinch of caution when planning holiday meals can go a long way in preventing serious burn injuries.”

Burns while preparing food are among the most common household injuries, and cooking is the number one cause of home fires, according to the American Burn Association (ABA).

Contact burns are common during the holidays. They can occur when someone touches a hot stove burner or lifts a heavy pan out of an oven. Scalding water spills, hot cooking oil splatters and steam can also lead to serious burn injuries.

“You may not think of it as a dangerous stage, but steam can cause severe burns while a person is dumping boiling water out of a pot or by lifting a lid,” said Joshua Holland, D.O., an emergency physician on the medical staff of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton.

McMahon said families can make a kitchen safer and avoid tripping accidents by creating a 3-foot zone free of children and pets. McMahon suggests enlisting the help of youngsters to measure the space and challenging them to stay out of the zone.

Another safety tip: Avoid wearing flowy sleeves on blouses or bathrobes while cooking.

“A long sleeve can catch on fire,” McMahon said.

In 2023, there were more than 345,000 emergency department visits for non-fatal fire-burn injuries nationwide, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Frying turkeys has hurt many in recent years, so much so that the National Safety Council discourages using turkey fryers at home and urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments or consider using an oil-less turkey fryer.

“However you celebrate, we want everyone to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving and holiday season,” said Joshua Floren, chief operating officer, Hospital Channel. “If something unexpected happens, we’re here and ready to help with the medical care you need.”

More information about Texas Health medical resources is available online.

For medical needs that require quick treatment but are not life-threatening, patients can seek quality care at Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care centers throughout North Texas. Texas Health operates 31 locations that offer care 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. And for those bigger injuries, Texas Health emergency rooms are open 24/7.

Information about Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care is available online at breezeurgentcare.texashealth.org/

To find a provider, schedule nearby care, reserve urgent care or access a video visit, check out Texas Health Connect.