Safety in the Home Kitchen
Children’s Hospital Boston reports that the leading cause of home fires is due to home-cooking equipment, with approximately 88,000 children being hospitalized for burn-related injuries each year. The kitchen can be a hazardous place during meal times when family members are preparing, cooking and serving food. Keeping your kitchen safe requires homeowners to follow simple safety precautions to lower the risks of burns, injuries and other accidents. Does this Spark an idea?
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Kitchen Appliances
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The U.S. Fire Administration states that homeowners should only purchase appliances that have been tested by a recognized facility such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. When using kitchen equipment such as a microwave, always plug the appliance directly into an outlet. Using an extension cord or power strip can cause kitchen fires if the circuit is overloaded.
Child Safety
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Inquisitive children like to explore different areas of the kitchen; therefore, it is essential to create a child safety zone. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends parents enforce a child-free zone that runs a minimum of 3 feet around areas that contain hot liquids. Keep hot items away from the edges of kitchen counters and tables and never hold a child while you are cooking.
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Clothing
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When working in the kitchen do not wear clothing or jewelry that is loose or dangles over the food. When using a stove or other hot appliance, loose clothing and jewelry can catch fire or cause burns if in contact with the heat source. Rolling up your sleeves or wearing close fitting clothing can help minimize the risk of burns or other injuries.
Kitchen Cleanliness
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Keeping your kitchen clean and free from clutter can help prevent fires and other accidents. Areas that are near stoves, toasters and other heating devices should especially be clear of clutter, as papers and other flammable objects can easily catch fire. Cleaning your stove on a regular basis will also help protect your family from fires, as dirt or old pieces of food are a fire hazard.
Preventing Burns
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Always use heat protectors such as oven mitts, potholders or towels when handling items that contain hot substances. Never use a heat protector that is damp or wet as they can cause severe steam burns when touching a heated surface. If you do happen to burn yourself while in the kitchen, run cool water over the burn and contact a health professional.
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- Photo Credit the kitchen. image by guiney from Fotolia.com
