You already know kitchen safety is essential — but you might not know how frequently kitchen mishaps happen. Did you know that cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires in the U.S.?
Prevent kitchen fires.

• Pay close attention to what you’re doing and to your surroundings.
• Keep flammable items away from the stove, such as oven mitts and towels.
• Store a small fire extinguisher nearby.
• If a stovetop fire starts, turn off the burner. Cover a grease stove top fire with a lid (water can spread the fire).
• Install smoke detectors, but keep them at least 10 feet from your stove to reduce the chances of false alarms. Test detectors monthly.

Beware of burns.

• Turn pot handles in so they won’t get knocked.
• Let microwaved food cool for a minute or two before handling.
• Remove any lids carefully to avoid steam burns.

Banish bacteria that can make your family sick.

• Clean your hands before and after handling food.
• Wash countertops, cutting boards, and utensils with hot, soapy water when switching from one food to another.
• Disinfect countertops and cutting boards regularly. Use one tablespoon of chlorine bleach per 1 gallon of water. Let sit for several minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Store cleaners, soaps, and sprays where children and pets can’t reach them.
If you keep them low, lock them up or use a safety latch. Detergent pods are especially dangerous for kids, who can mistake them for food. If you have kids under age 6, use traditional detergent.