174 HOUSEHOLD EMERGENCIES
MAKING YOUR KITCHEN SAFE
Turn pan handles away from the front of the stove
Keep appliances near the wall and unplugged when not in use
Store knives safely in a knife block
Use the back burners of the stove in preference to the front ones
Keep a fire blanket and fire extinguisher in the kitchen and make sure that you know how to use them
Wipe up spilled liquids immediately and make sure that floors are dry before walking on them
• If you have a water heater in the kitchen, make sure that the flue is kept clear. If you use gas, install a carbon monoxide alarm in the kitchen, as close to the water heater as possible( p. 173).
• Unplug or switch off electrical appliances at the wall when they are not being used. Kettles, electric knives, and blenders are particularly hazardous.
• Use a ladder to reach high shelves instead of standing on a stool, which could tip over.
• Never leave a skillet or deep fryer unattended on the stove( p. 183).
• Ensure that work surfaces and sinks are well lit so you can work safely.
• If you have young children, install simple security latches on cabinets and drawers that contain hazardous liquids or objects.
• Store matches, sharp items, and household chemicals well out of
the reach of children.
• Try to keep young children out of the kitchen when you are cooking.
• Turn pan handles toward the wall so that children cannot grab them
or accidentally knock them.
• Install guard rails around the stove to keep children away.
• Warn children that stovetops – especially electric burners, which
may show no signs of being hot – can burn even when the power is off.
• Store sharp knives well out of the reach of children, ideally in a
wooden knife block.
• Always switch off the electric iron and move it out the reach of
children when it is unattended.
• Wipe up spills as soon as possible.