Many of us have heard of the frightening statistic that more accidents involving children happen right in the home than anywhere else. This is partly due to more time being spent in the home and partly because of inadequate safety practices. The kitchen is a place where in many dangerous things can potentially lead to a nasty injury: sharp implements, open flames, slippery surfaces, and sometimes even dangerous chemicals make this room very treacherous to navigate for the curious and restless.Many responsible parents have no problem going through every nook and cranny in their child’s nursery and child-proofing every electrical outlet, step, doorknob, lock, and even fixing loose tiles and bunched carpets. Unfortunately, this kind of treatment is harder to do with the kitchen – partly because you alter its functionality once you go in and put all these fittings and gadgets.
If your kids are still small, you shouldn’t have any problems with the things located on your worktops. Small kitchen appliances, cutlery, glassware, and other breakables will be fine as long as you don’t place them near the edge or have tablecloths hanging over them. Be careful when placing chopping boards and pots of boiling liquid. always have their handles turned safely inwards to prevent curious hands from grabbing them and causing accidents.
You don’t really have to worry about things placed high, the real danger lies beneath. Cleaning chemicals and other hazardous substances are often placed in cabinets located underneath the sink and these are very accessible to small children. Consider having locks or at least safety catches installed. They are relatively easy to put in and someone with minimal experience with hand tools should be able to do it in a couple of hours. You do have to consider your usage when choosing as it will greatly affect your convenience. Locks with proper keys are the best when it comes to keeping the little ones out but you have to be careful and organized with the key as well as all spares that came with the set. If you manage to lose all, you will be in a dire predicament. If you think that you are not organized enough, opt for safety releases that will deter children while giving you easy access at the same time. Another option – perhaps the best one – is simply moving all hazardous chemicals to the topmost cabinet in your kitchen. Apart from being free, this option is the most convenient and effective.
Chemicals are dangerous, but they are not the biggest threat in the kitchen. Cookers can injure anyone but they are especially risky to children who have no idea on how much a burn can hurt. Make sure oven doors are secure and that the windows are insulated so that they stay cool enough not to burn. If your oven is due for replacement, consider placing the new one at eye level. Not only is this setup safer, it also allows for easier monitoring of what you are cooking and makes putting things in and taking things out of your oven gentler on your back.
