Guest Author - Deborah Adams
Safety is extremely important especially when working with fire and heat with people being the #1 concern. To help you prevent disasters here are some tips and suggestions to keep you and your property as safe as possible.
#1 With small children or others who need supervision,
* Always stay with them when they are in the kitchen. If they are cooking supervise them.
* If they are just running around the kitchen please get them into a safer environment while you are cooking.
* One tip for small children who like to turn knobs...Remove the knobs between meals so that they can't turn on the gas or stove/oven when you don't know it.
* Keep pan handles turned away from the front and away from other burners so they can't reach up and grab one or get snagged on them. (You should do this even if you don't have children)
Clothing and hair. . .
* Avoid wearing any open or loose clothing that could come into contact with flames or hot surfaces while cooking such as robes, loose sleeves, jackets etc....
* Keep long hair up and secured. Avoid use of flammable hair spray.
Equipment. . .
* Unplug any cooking equipment when not in use including stoves, toasters, coffeemakers etc...
* Keep cords away from hot surfaces, water, and near sinks.
* Have any appliance checked out that shocks you (unless it is static electricity)
* Keep anything that could catch fire away from hot surfaces such as, potholders, non-stick spray cans, plastic and wooden utensils etc...
* Read the safety information for all appliances.
* Remember that Microwave ovens do not like metal and many plastic/foam products and could start fires if used.
* Check pilot lights.
* Keep exhaust fan on when cooking.
* Dry hands before touching electrical equipment.
* Avoid overloading electrical outlets as that can cause shorts and fires.
General. . .
* Avoid smoking around gas appliances.
* Keep grease and other spills and splatters cleaned up frequently.
* If someone gets shocked and cannot lose contact with the appliance do NOT touch them. Grab a broomstick and get them off the appliance. Then carefully unplug the appliance and help the person who has been shocked. Call the ambulance service or 911 if available.
* Use a splatter guard when cooking with oil & grease and always remember to turn off the burner when finished.
* Keep all liquids away from hot oil as the oil will pop, spray and burn you if other liquid is accidentally spilled or dripped into the oil.
* Be careful when adding foods to hot oils and grease as they can cause popping and burning.
* NEVER keep any cords where traffic can go over them. Cords can be stepped on or hung up on and things dragged off counters or shorted out and fires and burns can result.
* ALWAYS be careful with steam. Open lids carefully and away from you. When draining pastas, use kitchen mitts to protect your arms and hands from the steam so you don't drop the pan and burn yourself. Wait until pressure cookers are safe to open and be careful with steam in any situation as it can cause serious burns.
* Place hot lids and utensils where they won't be touched by anyone until they cool. I put them on top of my refrigerator in my home.
* Keep all walking areas dry to avoid accidents and falls.
* Wash surfaces and utensils that come into contact with foods frequently.
* Of course use caution with anything sharp or moving appliances such as knives, meat slicers etc...
Kitchen Suggestions . . .
* Kitchen vent-hood extinguishing systems can help in case of fires.
* Always have fire extinguishers handy and make sure you know how to use them. Fire extinguisher professionals and Firefighters, will usually give you techniques and training on the use of the fire extinguishers. You do not want to panic when a fire starts as this can cause injury, loss and even death.
* First aid kits and knowledge are always an important safety rule for any cook, personal or professional.
* The American Red Cross gives first aid and cpr classes and are easily located in many cities.
I hope that you will keep these suggestions in mind and keep safe.
For fire extinguishers please read these reviews and visit the site to get more information.
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