Unfortunately, kitchen accidents happen every year because people forget basic safety principles. Read the kitchen tips listed below to remind yourself how to practice good kitchen safety in your home.

1. Never stick a fork or knife into a toaster to retrieve food while it is plugged in. You can get electrocuted. Instead, unplug the toaster, wait for it to cool, and then flip it upside down to get the item out.
2. Grease fires have to be put out with baking soda or salt. If you pour water, flour or sugar on a fire it will get much worse.
3. Avoid loose clothing when cooking. Roll up your sleeves and wear an apron if you don’t want to change clothes.
4. Don’t use extension cords in the kitchen. They can cause spills and electrical shock accidents.
5. When boiling water or sauce, stir away from your body to prevent splashing onto your skin.
6. Clean up spills immediately. Depending on the spill, they can catch on fire, create unnecessary smoke, or even cause you to slip and fall.
7. Cut away from your body when using a knife. Also make sure to move slowly and carefully when carrying a knife in the kitchen to avoid injuring yourself or another.
8. Wash your hands with warm soap and water often. Cross-contamination can happen quickly. An easy rule is to wash your hands between preparing different food items. Also, never use the same surfaces to cut veggies or fruit where you were handling raw meat. Designate certain cutting boards for raw meat and others for veggies.
9. Always supervise your kids carefully if they are helping you, and keep sharp items out of their reach.
10. Turn your gas range off when you’re done using it. If you smell gas when you shouldn’t, make sure all the burners are turned off, open your windows for ventilation, and call your gas company.