Kitchen Safety

Home Safety Starts in the Kitchen

Have you ever wondered what you would do in case of a kitchen fire? No? Well believe or not, that is the common answer since most people don’t think of it until it happens to them when they least expect it. Kitchen flare ups and fires are the most common safety hazard in the kitchen behind cuts by knives. And fires in the kitchen are almost always preventable by following a few simple practices. The fact of the matter is, all persons living in the home should have a clear understanding of the importance of safety in the kitchen

Grease Fire Safety Test

What should you do if a grease fire starts on the stove in a pot or pan?

  1. Throw or spray water on it.
  2. Turn off the heat.
  3. Get a fire extinguisher.
  4. Lay a wet towel over the pan.

Correct Answer:
Answers 2,3 & 4 are good choices for a kitchen grease fire. However, it is paramount to understand that throwing or spraying water on a grease fire will actually make the fire spread (see image below).

kitchen-safety

Kitchen Fire Safety Tips

  • Keep children a safe distance from hot liquids.
  • Always use potholders.
  • Hot grease causes severe burns, avoid using deep fat fryers around children.
  • Clean the exhaust hood and duct over the stove regularly and wipe up spilled grease as soon as the surface of the stove is cool.
  • It’s wise to have a fire extinguisher near the kitchen. Keep it 10 feet away from the stove on the exit side of the kitchen.
  • Never pour water on a grease fire; turn off the stove and cover the pan with a lid, or close the oven door.
  • Keep pot handles on the stove pointing to the back and always watch young children in the kitchen.
  • Don’t store items on the stovetop because they could catch fire.
  • Keep kitchen appliances clean and in good condition.
  • Follow instructions carefully when using microwave ovens.
  • Be sure your stove is not located under a window where curtains are hanging.
  • Wear short sleeves or fleece clothing while cooking.
  • If your clothing should catch fire, immediately stop, drop and roll to smother flames.
  • Scalds and burn injuries are on the increase. The highest risks are the very young and the elderly.
  • Never throw or spray water on any kitchen fire.
  • Make sure everyone living in the home is aware of these kitchen safety tips.

Kitchen Sharp Objects Safety Tips

Knives are the most common sharp kitchen objects:

  • Always pick up a knife by the handle not the blade.
  • Leave knives on their sides, not edge up.
  • Keep the handle dry; wipe it or it could be slippery.
  • Don’t try and catch a falling knife.
  • When cutting, always cut away from you, preferably onto a chopping board (of the right colour! See ‘Teaching Kids Food Hygiene’).
  • Don’t leave knives in a bowl of soapy water; anyone reaching in unaware could cut themselves.
  • Wash, dry and store carefully.

It’s not just knives that are sharp. The blades of blenders, food processors and waste disposal systems are all sharp and should be handled with care.

Always look for opportunities to teach safety to all home occupants whenever possible. Remember, kitchen safety should be proactive, not reactive.

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