“It won’t happen to me; I’m careful.”
This what millions of Americans say each year, just before they get injured in the kitchen. Unfortunately, accidents happen. And not just too clumsy people. It takes only a fraction of a second for something bad to happen, no matter how careful you are. And the risk of injury increases exponentially if you have kids running around.
That’s why, in this article, I’m sharing with you 7 kitchen safety tips, so you can prevent yourself (and most importantly, your kids) from getting hurt in the kitchen.
#1: Upgrade your pot holders
Your everyday cotton and polyester pot holders and oven mitts do provide certain protection. They are certainly better than grabbing hot pot with your bare hands. Silicone oven mitts and pot holders are the best choice for hand and forearm protection, they won’t wear down and develop holes or weak spots that can burn you when you least expect it.
This kitchen safety tip is important, all it takes is one careless turn to pull the handle and burn yourself. But they won’t protect your hands from burns 100%. If you want true protection, replace them with silicon-based pot holders and oven mittens.
I’ve been using these pot holders and oven mitts for a while now, and I’m very satisfied. Check them out on Amazon.
#2: Don’t use extension cords in the kitchen
If you spill anything near the extension cord (and you will at some point), you’re risking electrical shock injury.
Instead, use a junction box. They’ll give you an extra plug in space, plus they have built-in GFI (ground fault interrupter) that will kick in if there’s a power shortage.
#3: Turn pot handles AWAY from the front
Not the mention the what it can happen if your kid’s hand grab it. Always keep the pot handle turned to back.
#4: NEVER try to put out grease fire with water
When we see fire, it’s our natural response to grab water and pour it over it. But, if you add water, flour or sugar on a grease fire, it’ll blow like dynamite! Instead, use baking soda or salt.
#5: Stir AWAY from you
When you’re boiling water or your special sauce, it can easily happen for it to splash and cause you some serious burns.
To avoid that, stir away from your body.
#6: Check the cables
It’s not a rare case that the cable on some of your appliances is damaged in some way.
This can cause a lot of problems, anywhere from damaging the device itself to electroshock you, and even cause a fire. If you find out that the cable is damaged, plug it out and get someone to replace it.
#7: Handle knives with caution
Millions of Americans each year visit ERs due to some sort of kitchen injury caused by a knife.
You’re not Rambo. And knives aren’t toys, this kitchen safety tip is obvious but important. Handle them with caution and safely put them away when you’re not using them.
BONUS TIP: Stay focused and aware
It’s easy to get carried away, a Facebook notification. Phone call. Music.
If you’re not focused on what you’re doing, you can easily hurt yourself badly. Never take your mind off of what you’re doing. Stay safe.
- Silicone outer is 100% FDA Approved Silicone, making it safe for you and your family. Lifted pattern allows for great grip.
- Inner Liner, inside 50% cotton, 50% polyester; outside black part 100% silicone.
- Heat Resistant oven mitts up to 482 F/ 250C. Silicone part is waterproof – no hot water burns or steam burns.
- Long oven mitts to cover your arms – no burns off the racks. Fits comfortably on male and female hands. Loops to hang or put in a drawer.
