Keeping Your Kitchen Safe For Your Children
It’s hard for anyone to resist lingering in the kitchen when tantalizing aromas waft from the oven or steam over bubbling pots. Combine that with shiny intricate utensils and you’ve got the perfect laboratory to rouse the curiosity for most any child. That’s why it’s important to take steps in keeping your kitchen safe for children.
To begin with, keep all hazardous tools and toxic household products out of reach. Knives, sharp tools and blades should be stored in a locked drawer or cabinet instead of a knife block on an open counter. Chemicals such as detergents, pesticides and cleaning agents should be placed in a high cabinet or one secured with a child safety lock.
You may have to experiment with various lock designs that work with your cabinets and suit your lifestyle since it will compromise your routine. Remember that while it may be inconvenient, the price is your child’s safety; keep the lock engaged at all times.
Childproof your counter tops by keeping the cords to appliances unplugged and hidden when not in use.
Keep your dishwasher door closed and your trash lid sealed.
When baking in the oven, keep children far from the area even if it means they stay out of the kitchen when the brownies are done. There is no preventing a child from touching a hot surface when both your hands are full and risking otherwise is just a recipe for injury.
As an added measure, keep a fire extinguisher by the stove and the number to your local poison control center posted by the phone.
By taking the time to safe guard your kitchen, you ensure that its memories will always be tasteful.