Cooking and eating at home is a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones.

To ensure safety while cooking at home, it is crucial to prioritize general kitchen safety practices.

While we are all aware of the basic safety rules in the kitchen, it is also true that ignoring these measures while cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires.

Read more: safety with cooking equipment

Not being alert while in the kitchen can lead to burns, injuries, and scalds by coming in contact with hot objects, chemicals, or electricity.

Whether stirring up a quick dinner or creating a full-course meal, these 12 tips will help you ensure that you and your family stay safe while cooking at home.

Cooking with care

• Use microwave-safe food containers while heating in the microwave.
• Don’t leave the kitchen when the stove is on. Unattended cooking may cause a fire. If you need to leave the kitchen while something is cooking, turn the burner off.
• Don’t heat oil at high temperatures, to avoid overheating of the oil, which can lead to fire.
• Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent food and grease build-up.
• Avoid long sleeves and loose clothing as they can catch on fire easily. Clothes with fitted or short sleeves are best while in the kitchen.
• Always stir away from your body so that you don’t get splashed by bubbling liquids in the pan.
• Open hot containers away from you, so that the steam escapes from the side farthest away from you. Remember, steam exposure can result in serious burns.
• Keep your kitchen equipment clean, as any food deposits left uncleaned can catch on fire.
• To avoid hot pots from falling off the stove by running into the handles, ensure pot handles do not extend past the stove top.
• Store knives, sharp objects, lighters, and matchboxes safely and out of reach of children.
• Slippery floors could lead to accidents. Keep the kitchen floor dry by cleaning spills immediately.
• Avoid keeping flammable materials such as paper towels, kitchen towels, or pot holders too close to the stove.

Kids in the kitchen

If children are helping in the kitchen, supervise them closely and teach them safe practices. 

Cooking with kids at home can be a fun and educational experience, but it’s crucial to prioritize safety. 

 Educate them about handling utensils, using appliances safely, and understanding basic kitchen hygiene.

Always supervise your child closely, especially when they’re using sharp objects or cooking on the stove.

Assign tasks that are suitable for your child’s age and skill level. 

Create a safe and enjoyable environment for their children to explore their cooking skills.

Avoid kitchen accidents

Not paying attention to the precautions while cooking, especially when you are in a hurry, can cause accidents or fires.

Securing the safety of yourself and your loved ones is a personal duty that extends to various aspects of your culinary endeavors.

To ensure the safety of everyone at home, keep children and pets away from the stove, and ensure you’re alert while cooking.

Embracing prudent cooking practices not only fortifies your well-being in the kitchen but also contributes to the overall enjoyment of your home-cooked meals.

Cleanliness and proper food storage are also crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. 

Read more: food hygiene at home

By cultivating a mindful and informed approach to culinary activities, you not only promote a safer home environment but also elevate the pleasure derived from the delightful meals you create for yourself and your family.

Amid your busy routine and the daily morning rush, how do you manage to keep your kitchen safe? Do share in comments.