Kitchen Safety Rules for Kids Who Cook
- Before you begin roll up long sleeves, tie back long hair and remove loose clothing that might get in the way or catch on something.
- Wash your hands and dry them well. Wet hands can be slippery.
- If you can't quite reach the countertop, use a sturdy stool or wooden step to help.
- Keep cabinet doors and drawers closed so you won't bump into them.
- Wipe up spills as soon as they happen. Wet spots can be slippery.
- Always use oven mitts to handle food on the stove, in the oven or microwave and under the broiler.
- When working with pots on the stove, be sure to hold the handle while stirring to prevent the pot from slipping off the burner.
- Always pick up knives by their handle and do not point them at anyone. Be sure to only use a knife when an adult is close by and with permission.
- Keep electrical cords away from the stove top, oven and sink.
- Before leaving the kitchen, check that the oven and burners are all turned off.
- If you burn yourself, tell an adult immediately.
- Don't put knives or other sharp objects in a sink full of water. Someone could reach in and get hurt.
- Never put water on a cooking fire - it could make the fire bigger. Call for an adult to help and use baking soda or flour to put the fire out.
- Don't put cooked food on an unwashed plate or cutting board that held raw food. Always use a clean plate.
- Never add water to a pan with hot oil in it. It could splatter and burn someone.
- Keep paper towels, dish towels and pot holders away from the stove top so they don't catch on fire.