Safety
AROUND YOUR HOME

Jananne Finck

Helping in the kitchen is a good beginning for a youngster wanting to learn to cook. This skill helps them throughout life. In fact, many young men and women thank their parents, and grandparents, for teaching them the fun and joy of cooking.

Today's busy lifestyle suggests it's a real advantage if everyone in the family can pitch in to prepare food, especially if parents and caregivers are employed outside the home.

Kitchen safety is the first chapter in teaching youngsters how to cook. While cooking is fun, it's serious business. Beginning chefs should practice cooking with a parent or another adult a few times to master the needed techniques. Work with your child until you're confident he or she can cook safely on their own.

Kitchen safety rules need to be discussed up front. You need to be sure your children can be trusted to follow the rules before leaving them alone in the kitchen.

The first rule, which applies even before frequent hand washing, is to dress for safety. Long, floppy sleeves catch fire or can get caught in appliances. Change clothes or secure sleeves so they don't fall down. Long hair should be tied back too.

Clean up all spills immediately. Use a paper towel, sponge, or dish cloth. Be sure to rinse the sponge and cloth well before reusing.

Sharp knives are safer to use than dull ones. They make cutting quicker and easier. For some children, though, knives should be off limits. Instead of a knife, kitchen shears may work to cut some foods. Reinforce the idea that the tips of shears and knives should be pointed down, and that these utensils should be carried by the handle.

Place food on a cutting board and cut sharp side down. The knife should cut away from the body. Never bring the blade edge toward you.

Move people out of the way when you cut. In fact, too many friends in the kitchen can be unsafe. One or two helpers are plenty.

Don't throw sharp knives into a sink full of water. Severe cuts occur when forgetful hands hit the blade. Set them aside to be washed separately.

Other safety rules include the following:

• Never stick fingers into an electric blender, food processor, or mixer that's in operation or plugged in.

• Always turn the appliance off before inserting spatulas into bowls.

• Don't let cords from electric appliances dangle across sinks, gas burners or electric surface units.

• When plugging or unplugging an electrical appliance, make sure your hands are dry. The control should always be in the "OFF" position.

• When using the stove, turn pot handles away from stove front. Be careful not to turn handles over another hot burner.

• Remember to turn gas burners, electric surface units and ovens off when you're finished. Double check the controls before leaving the work area.

When using the microwave, stress two rules with children. Emphasize proper containers and the danger of microwave burns.

Store the proper utensils and microwave-safe dishes near the microwave, along with the clear plastic wrap or lids. Metal pans, plastic containers that can melt in the microwave and aluminum foil should be stashed elsewhere.

When opening microwave popcorn or other foods, be cautious of steam burns. This has been a serious problem for youngsters as well as adults. Use hot pads when removing poppers and opening lids and bags. Open away from the body. Allow food to cool several minutes before eating. Microwaved food is extremely hot especially if high in sugar or fat.

Jananne Finck is an extension educator, Nutrition and Wellness, at the Springfield Extension Center. She is a dietitian registered with the State of Illinois.

14 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING MAY 1998