Tips for Kitchen Safety During the Holiday Season
Once again, it is the favorite time of year for so many people in our country. At the end of the year, the holiday season is a whirlwind period of time, during which many families gather for meals and celebrations. Sometimes these celebrations are large with many generations of families and friends, while other times they are small, close gatherings of loved ones. Regardless of how you celebrate, it is important to pay attention to safety concerns during this time.
The kitchen can be a particularly dangerous place for children during the holidays, as there is an increase in activity level and number of people in the kitchen, as well as kitchen gadgets and tools that are usually tucked away in cabinets. Children can be hurt from hot foods or liquids, knives or other sharp objects not kept out of reach, electrical appliances and other objects they can grab off of the counter.
Cooking safety concerns
Large-scale, important meals mean extra time spent in the kitchen cooking. It also may mean more people than usual in the kitchen and as the environment becomes more chaotic typical safety measures can be missed. Keep the following in mind while you are cooking:
- Turn handles of pots and pans away from the edge of the stove
- Prevent food poisoning by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces that come into contact with raw meat, including poultry and eggs.
- Check surroundings before opening the oven to remove hot foods
- Place dishes full of hot liquids and foods towards the back of the counter or center of the table, and make sure there are no overhanging edges of pot holders or counter protectors that children can grasp.
- Make sure knives are put away out of reach
- Keep young children at least 3 feet away from the stove and oven while cooking.
- Use knob covers to prevent children from turning on burners and ovens
Fire safety concerns
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the holiday season is a peak time for experiencing home cooking fires. It is a good time for your family to review the fire safety plan – or to develop one if you do not already have one. Make sure even young children know what to do in case of a fire.
- Check the fire extinguisher to ensure it is working and easily available. Make sure family members know the location.
- Be careful of grease and cooking oil near the stovetop or open flame.
- Keep flammable items away from the stovetop, including potholders and mitts, towels and napkins.
- Tie back hair while cooking and watch loose clothing, such as sleeves and hems.
- Do not leave cooking unattended.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children. Do not leave children alone in rooms with lit candles.
Other safety concerns
- Alcohol poisoning is a common risk for children during the holidays. Keep all open alcoholic beverages out of reach, and empty out cups that are not being used.
- Keep boxes with serrated edges (plastic wrap, tinfoil, etc) away from children.
- Make sure electrical cords are not hanging off of counters or within easy reach.
- Encourage everyone to wash hands frequently.
- Snack foods with small pieces (nuts, candies, etc) can be choking hazards to young children, be sure to keep them up high.
- Give your child age-appropriate tasks if they want to help: allow 3 year olds to snap green beans or toss the salad, 7 year olds to measure ingredients, 9 year olds to use a can opener, and 11+ year olds to bake cookies in the oven (with supervision).
Final thoughts
The holiday season can be a wonderful time of family, traditions, and good times. Many of these activities revolve around the kitchen. It can be very rewarding to plan and prepare meals and to have your children be a part of it all, but it must be done in a safe way. Take the time to prepare your house for guests and for young helpers in the kitchen. This can help to ensure the holidays (and the holiday preparations) remain a happy, injury-free time for your family.
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