KITCHEN/COOKING

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MAIN (Return to Top)

1. The storage area above the stove is free of flammable and combustible items. Never place or store potholders, plastic utensils, towels and other non-cooking equipment on or near the stove because these items can be ignited.

2. Short or tight fitting sleeves, and tight fitting shirts, robes, gowns, etc., are worn while cooking. Roll up or fasten long loose sleeves with pins or elastic bands while cooking. Do not reach across a stove while cooking. Long loose sleeves are more likely to catch fire than are short sleeves. Long loose sleeves are also more apt to catch on pot handles, overturning pots and pans and cause scalds.

3. Items that could attract children such as cookies and candy, are not kept above the stove and are kept out of the area. Do not place cookies or candy over the top of stoves. This will reduce the attraction kids may have for climbing on cooking equipment, thus reducing the possibility of their clothing catching on fire.

4. The stove is not left unattended when cooking especially when the burner is turned to a high setting. Keep a watchful eye anytime the stove is in use. Never leave young children unattended, especially in an area where food is being prepared.

COMMON HAZARDS IN THE KITCHEN (Return to Top)

• Cooking hot foods on top of stove. Turn pot handles inwards so children cannot pull them down.
• Unattended hot liquids/foods. Never leave hot liquids or food unattended or at the edge of a table or counter to be pulled down by a toddler or young child.
• Handling hot liquids/food. Youngsters should not be allowed to pour or handle hot liquids or food.
• Holding infants while drinking/pouring hot liquids. Keep children at a safe distance while pouring or drinking hot liquids - grabbing movements are likely at this age.
• Child underfoot during meal preparation time. Place child in crib or playpen while preparing food. Rushing and handling of hot liquids and food is a deadly combination with a toddler underfoot.
• Serving hot foods from a pot or pan while the child is seated at the dining table. Seat a child at the dining table only after all of the food has been served and placed far from the child's reach.
• Dangling cords on small appliances. Replace long cords with short ones, keep long cord appliances toward the back of countertops. Unplug all appliances that are not in use.
• Hot appliances. To prevent contact burns, keep all hot appliances away from a young child's reach.
• Microwave cooking. Be certain that foods and liquids are sufficiently cooled (inside and out) before giving them to a young child. Position microwave ovens so they have room to "breathe" and all vents are free of obstructions.

ADDITIONAL TIPS (Return to Top)

• Be sure the cooking area (stove top, broiler, oven, exhaust fan) is clean and free of grease.
• If grease catches fire, turn off the burner and carefully slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames.
• Have an ABC type fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Keep it 10 feet away from the stove near an exit from the kitchen. Be sure the extinguisher is in good working order and that you know how to use it correctly
• Maintain good lighting in the kitchen.
• Use bright colors and /or large letters to mark hard-to-read controls on stove, oven, and other appliances.
• Keep potholders handy. Shield yourself from steam when uncovering food.
• If there is a fire in the oven, leave the door shut and turn the oven off so the fire will die out and call 911.

The safety information enclosed was compiled from the best sources available to us. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and authors cannot assume any liability for its effectiveness in every emergency situation.