Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 5 minutes, take off any rings or tight items near it, then cover it loosely with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. That's the American Burn Association's first aid for a burn, and Mayo Clinic says minor burns can usually be treated safely at home with first aid.

It happens fast. A pan handle is hotter than you thought. Oil pops out of the skillet and onto your wrist. The kettle tips. The American Burn Association reports about 398,000 fire and burn injuries in the U.S. in 2021, from CDC data. Here's what to do in the minutes after.

First, check how bad it is

A first-degree burn affects only the outer layer of skin: it's red, painful and may swell. A second-degree burn reaches the layer underneath and blisters, according to MedlinePlus. For a blistered burn, also read how to treat a second-degree burn.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if the burn:

• Goes through all layers of skin, or looks dry, leathery or charred, with white, brown or black patches
• Is larger than 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) across
• Is on the face, hands, feet, genitals, buttocks or a major joint like a knee, elbow or shoulder
• Wraps around an arm or a leg
• Came from chemicals or electricity
• Happened along with breathing in smoke
• Swells very fast, or the person shows signs of shock

Mayo Clinic says babies and older adults may need emergency care even for a minor burn. If you can't tell how serious a burn is, MedlinePlus says to call 911.

First aid for a minor burn, step by step

1. Stop the burning. Get away from the heat: turn off the burner, set down the pan, move away from the grill.
2. Cool it with running water. Hold the burn under cool running water for at least 5 minutes, the American Burn Association says. Mayo Clinic suggests about 10. Skip ice and icy water, which can damage the skin more.
3. Take off rings, watches and anything tight near the burn, before it swells. If clothing is stuck to the skin, leave it there.
4. Leave blisters alone. Mayo Clinic says they help protect against infection. If one breaks, clean it gently with water.
5. Cover it loosely. Use sterile gauze or a clean, non-stick dressing. The Red Cross warns that adhesive bandages can stick to the burn, so keep them off the burned skin.
6. Ease the pain. Mayo Clinic says an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or acetaminophen can help. MedlinePlus says never to give aspirin to children under 19.
7. Soothe it once it has cooled. As the skin heals, Mayo Clinic suggests a lotion with aloe vera or cocoa butter.

What to keep off a burn

• Ice. It can make the damage worse.
• Butter, oil or toothpaste. The American Burn Association and the Red Cross say greasy remedies trap the heat in the skin.
• Adhesive bandages pressed onto the burn itself.

When to see a doctor later

The American Burn Association says to get medical care if a burn gets worse, looks infected, or doesn't start to heal within a few days. If the burn is deep and you haven't had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years, Mayo Clinic says you may need a booster.

Keep burn care where burns happen

Burns happen at the stove and the grill, usually while you're busy with something else. That's the worst moment to dig through the junk drawer for gauze, or to send someone to the store.

The Burn Care Kit keeps everything for a minor burn in one waterproof, resealable pouch. Inside are two packets of burn gel, two sterile non-stick dressings, two rolls of gauze, two cleansing wipes, a pair of nitrile gloves and a disposal bag. A burn care guide walks you through each step. It's made for kids and adults. Keep one by the stove, one by the grill and one in the car or the camping bin.

If you want the fire covered too, the Fire Blanket + Burn Care Kit pairs an Emergency Fire Blanket with burn care supplies, so the kitchen is ready for both. And if a pan ever catches, here's how to put out a grease fire.

For a serious burn, call 911. For the everyday splash and spill, have the right supplies within reach before it happens. Get the Burn Care Kit.