What Is Safety in the Kitchen?

Safety in the kitchen begins at an early age.  As a young child, you were probably taught not to touch the hot stove.  Each time you use the kitchen to cook or prepare food, you are engaging in several potential hazards that usually do not go wrong, but just might, if you are not careful.

Among other things, safety in the kitchen focuses on electrical or grease fires, scalds from burning water, hygiene safety when preparing food, handling hot items, cleanliness, using appliances and sharp objects and child-proofing the kitchen.  Organization will improve safety, but there are other things that can also keep you safe.

• Keep wires, plugs and cords on the back of the kitchen counter.  Allowing these items to hang off the counter could result in a kitchen accident.


• Use wires and cords that are not frayed.  Keep appliances unplugged when they are not in use.


• Refrain from using an extension cord in the kitchen.


• Throw away any broken or damaged appliances.  New appliances are fairly inexpensive and will be much safer than a broken or damaged unit.


• Install childproof locks in the medicine and cleaning supply cabinets.  You may also out one on the oven.


• Turn off the stove burner as soon as you remove the pan from the flame or plate.  Leaving the burner on may cause a kitchen fire.


• Do not leave items cooking on the stove unattended.


• Wear short sleeves and fitted clothing.  Loose items can catch on fire.  This is true for your hair, as well.  Put in up in a bun or ponytail.


• Examine heaters and make sure they are not being blocked by towels, curtains or other kitchen devices.


• Keep a useable fire extinguisher in the kitchen.  It should be easily accessible, but not near the stove or heater, it could combust.  If you fire extinguisher is more than 5 years old, you may want to replace it with a newer model.


• Pour salt or baking soda on a grease fire to put it out quickly.


• Keep a phone in the kitchen. Whether it is a cell phone or landline, you will need to be able to call 911 quickly in case of an emergency.


• Lift lids cautiously when checking on cooking food.  The hot steam can scald you.  Watch out for the hot steam from microwave popcorn; it will also burn you.


• Always cut away from your fingers or body when using a knife.


• Use a cutting board at all times.  It will not only protect your counter tops, but also keep you from getting cut. 


• Sharpen dull knives.  A sharper knife works better and is less likely to cut you from lack of struggling with the knife.


• Never put a fork or butter knife in the toaster when it is plugged in.


• Try to avoid talking on the phone while cooking in the kitchen.  Distractions can cause hazards.


• Wipe up spills on the counters and floor to prevent slipping.


• Keep the kitchen floor free from toys or other items that could trip the cook.