Items requiring particular attention include the stove, electrical cords, lighting and step stools. Take care when using potholders, dish towels, or plastic utensils when baking and cooking, as these can burn easily and burn you. Keep the area around the stove and oven clear, especially of flammable and combustible items. Don't hang a towel on the oven handle. Statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission indicate that fatal clothing fires are more common among seniors than in younger people.
Long sleeves are more likely to ignite if they touch a heat source.
They are also more likely to catch on and overturn a pot or pan, leading to spills and scalds. If your top has long or loose sleeves, roll them back and secure them with pins or elastic bands while you cook. When cooking, use your ventilation system or open windows to keep the air clear of smoke and other pollutants. Electrical cords can also be damaged by excess heat. Keep electrical cords and appliances away from the sink, stovetop and oven.