Practice these 7 kitchen safety tips

It’s the heart of the home. It’s the gathering point to cook, eat, drink, and more. It’s also a prime location for accidents. No matter how large or small your kitchen, there is always the possibility that an accident or fire can occur. Identifying possible outcomes is a strong starting point for addressing potential dangers.

Depending on who lives in your home and what type of appliances you have, it is essential to start implementing safety practices, thereby lowering the risk to you and your family. Follow our seven tips to make your kitchen the safest room in the house.

Accident Prevention

  1. For those with children: Use child-proof safety locks on all cabinets and make sure that cleaning products and other chemicals are not within their reach. Make sure that floors are clear and there aren’t any toys that could trip someone.
  2. Cuts: Remember to use knives, potato peelers, scissors, and other utensils slowly and cautiously. Cutting yourself can occur quickly, and it’s important to always use a slow and steady hand. Take an extra step and use a dry cutting board to protect your countertops.
  3. Prevent scalding: Scalding is one of the most common kitchen accidents. Move pot and pan handles away from you. This prevents you and small children from grabbing them or knocking them off the stovetop.
  4. Dress appropriately: Wear the right clothing. Jewelry and loose-fitting clothing could get caught or hit something cooking on the stovetop, leading to your getting cut or scalded.

Fire Prevention

  1. Wires: Check all wires and make sure none are frayed. If you find any frayed wires, have them repaired or replaced. Don’t use extension cords, as this can be a tripping hazard as well as lead to being shocked/electrocuted.
  2. Turn it off: Turn off all burners and turn off the oven as soon as it’s no longer in use. This prevents unnecessary energy from being used and, more importantly, it minimizes the risk of fires.
  3. If a fire occurs: Have smoke detectors installed as well as a fire extinguisher nearby. Know the difference between a regular fire and a grease fire, and why pouring water on a grease fire is a terrible idea. Instead of using water, have baking soda available to suffocate the flames of the grease fire. Have an escape route should the fire get out of control, and have access to a phone nearby so you can call emergency services.

Enjoy your next meal knowing you are doing everything you can to protect yourself and others. A safe kitchen is a happy kitchen.