Why this matters
Unattended cooking is a leading cause of home fires. Judgment and attention changes make burners, ovens, and smoking hazardous.
Warning signs
- Burned pans or scorch marks
- Forgetting a burner is on
- Smoke alarms triggered during cooking
- Smoking materials found in unusual places
What families can do
- Install stove knob covers or an automatic stove shut-off device
- Remove or disable the stove and use a microwave with simple settings
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly
- Supervise or eliminate smoking indoors
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible and practice an exit plan
When to get help
- Any cooking fire or near-miss
- The person lives alone and cooking safety is uncertain — request a home safety evaluation
Medically reviewed. Last reviewed August 2026. This page is educational information, not individualized medical advice.