The following is a guest post from Daniel Sherwin. Daniel is a single dad to a daughter (9) and son (6). His site, DadSolo.com, provides resources and information for single dads. This post is about staying safe in the kitchen with your kids.
The kitchen is the heart of most homes. There's something about the act of preparing food that stirs the human spirit, calling us to gather together for a good meal and good company. But, before you sit down with your loved ones to enjoy all that wonderful bounty, take a minute to read these kitchen safety tips for kids and adults alike.
Hot Water, Hot Dishes, and and Hard Edges - Oh My!
The average kitchen is a pretty safe place, Still, accidents can happen when we fail to take precautions like these:
- If your hair is long, then pin or tie it back. Otherwise it might get tangled in the spinning blades of your blender or food processor.
- If you're too short to reach the sink or stove, then use a sturdy stool to give you a little extra height. Never rely on a stack of books or other makeshift items for this purpose, as these can slide apart with no warning
- Always pick knives up by the handle, never the blade. This is important for avoiding cuts.
- Turn pot and pan handles so they face away from the rest of the kitchen when in use. That way you'll never hit the handle by mistake and send the cookware flying.
- Keep the floor as clean and dry as possible when working in the kitchen. Taking a moment to wipe up a spill can save you from a nasty fall.
- Use caution when lifting lids from pots. This will prevent you from getting burned by rising steam.
- Tell an adult might away if you hurt yourself.
Special Tips for Storing, Handling and Cooking MeaT
- According to the kitchen safety guide from the Hospital for Special Surgery, you should always wash your hands with soap and warm water both before and after handling meat. Otherwise you could come in contact with dangerous germs.
- Always store meats either in the freezer at zero degrees or in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
- Ask the store clerk to bag meat separate from other items. This will help to avoid cross-contamination.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure adequate cooking.
- Never leave cooked meats uncovered for more than a few minutes.
- If in doubt, throw it out. Your family's safety is worth far more than saving a few bucks.
A Parent's Guide to Childproofing the KitcheN
- Keep your younger kids away from a hot stove. They can help in other ways, like washing dishes or arranging items on plates.
- Consider upgrading to slip resistant flooring materials.
- According to the Red Cross, you should install a smoke detector in your kitchen and check its batteries on a regular basis.
- Inspect appliances for frayed cords and replace as needed.
- Install child-proof cabinet locks and straps.
Choosing a Fire Extinguisher for Your KitcheN
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments respond to more than 166,000 kitchen fire calls each year. Here's how to choose a extinguisher for your home's kitchen:
- Look for a extinguisher rated for multiple types of fires. The kind you want will have an ABC rating listed on its exterior or packaging.
- Buy the largest extinguisher you and other family members can operate. You want it to have as much fire fighting capacity as possible.
- Keep the extinguisher several feet from your stove but within easy reach in case of an emergency.
- Review the instructions for use so you know what to do should a kitchen fire occur.
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If you haven’t already read the book, it’s a great place to start - Relationship Reboot: Break free from the bad habits in your relationship.
David B. Younger, Ph.D. is the creator of Love After Kids, for couples that have grown apart since having children. He is a clinical psychologist and couples therapist with a web-based private practice and lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, 13-year-old son, 4-year-old daughter and 5-year-old toy poodle.
If you haven’t already read the book, it’s a great place to start - Relationship Reboot: Break free from the bad habits in your relationship.
David B. Younger, Ph.D. is the creator of Love After Kids, for couples that have grown apart since having children. He is a clinical psychologist and couples therapist with a web-based private practice and lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, 13-year-old son, 4-year-old daughter and 5-year-old toy poodle.
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