Minnesota Safety Council: KITCHEN SAFETY

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KITCHEN SAFETY

The kitchen is one of the most dangerous places in the home - children are at risk from burns, poisoning, choking and cuts. The majority of burns are from hot foods and liquids. Children can be poisoned from household cleaners and vitamins and they can choke on certain foods and small objects.

To Prevent Burns

Supervise children when they're in the kitchen.

Set the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees fahrenheit or less and consider installing anti-scald devices.

Place hot foods and liquids away from the edges of counters and tables, and never on tablecloths or placemats.

Keep appliance cords tied up, out of children's reach and unplugged. Place covers over all electrical outlets.

Use back burners and turn pot handles to the back of the stove when cooking.

Install guards on stove knobs.

Never hold children and hot foods or liquids at the same time.

Never let children remove hot foods or liquids from the microwave.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Wear close fitting clothing while cooking.

To Prevent Poisonings

Lock all detergents, household products, pet supplies, medicines and vitamins out of children's reach.

List poison control center and emergency numbers near telephones.

To Prevent Chokings

Keep round, hard foods like grapes, popcorn, raw carrots, hard candies, nuts and raisins away from children ages 4 and under.

Keep small items such as safety pins, coins, buttons and tacks out of children's reach.

Learn CPR and First Aid.

To Prevent Falls

Keep children securely strapped into highchairs, swings and child safety seats.

To Prevent Cuts

Store knives and other sharp utensils in drawers or cabinets secured with safety latches.

Acknowledgments:
Safe Kids Worldwide