The kitchen is often considered the center of the home, and it’s a great learning environment as well. Teaching your kids to cook can be one of the most rewarding aspects of being a parent. A Kid Safe kitchen however, should be a top priority even for experienced older kids. After all, accidents can happen to anyone and kitchen accidents are all too common.
Fortunately, we (along with KidsHealth) have some suggestions for preventing dangerous situations while cooking. The following are some tips for keeping kids safe in the kitchen.
Wear the right clothing, such as an apron to protect your clothes. Don’t wear anything loose that could catch fire easily, become caught in a mixer or other appliance or be dipped in hot water causing a burn. Microwaves have particular rules, such as no tin foil or metal! Young children should not attempt to light the pilot light on gas stoves.
Use potholders or oven mitts, and don’t try to pick up hot items with your bare hands. Steam burns are just as dangerous and painful as other types, so keep your hands and face away from pots of boiling water to avoid the steam.
Use cutlery properly, and ask for help with sharp knives and blades. Learn proper techniques and keep your fingers out of the way when cutting items.
Children should also be taught how to avoid spreading germs. For instance, wash hands, wash produce, and wash cutting boards and utensils–but not together–with soap and hot water. Use different cutting boards to avoid spreading bacteria for raw meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products/eggs. Wipe down all work surfaces before and after using them. Clean up spills right away, especially on the floor, to avoid slipping.
Above all help children avoid distractions and encourage them to pay attention to what they’re doing, especially if they’re handling knives or electrical tools and appliances. Young children usually should not be allowed to cook when they are home alone. Otherwise, make sure they know how to alert someone if they need help, whether it’s a fire, a burn or other injury that requires medical attention.
In the event of an emergency, All Island Security is here for you. Our digital keypads include fire and medical emergency buttons and you can add optional alarm system features such as smoke/fire detectors. We want to help you create a Kid Safe kitchen in your home.
