Kitchen Safety

The kitchen is a fun place to help make food. But kitchens have hot stoves, sharp knives, and slippery floors. Following safety rules helps you cook without getting hurt.

Avoiding Burns and Cuts

Always have an adult nearby when you use the stove or oven. Use oven mitts to pick up hot pots and pans. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so they do not get bumped.

Be careful with knives and peelers. Let an adult do the cutting until you are old enough. If you do use a knife, always cut away from your body.

Keeping the Kitchen Clean

Wash your hands before and after touching food. Wipe up spills right away so no one slips. Keep raw meat away from other foods to avoid germs.

When you are done cooking, make sure the stove and oven are turned off. Put things away so the kitchen stays neat and safe.

Fun Facts

• Cooking is one of the oldest human activities, going back over a million years.
• Washing your hands before cooking removes millions of germs.
• Professional chefs wear special coats to protect them from hot splashes.

Did You Know?

The most common kitchen injury for kids is a burn, so always use oven mitts and stay away from hot surfaces!