5 Often-Overlooked Ways to Make Your Kitchen Safer

Nobody ever expects a fire, a fall, or another type of accident in the kitchen, but these things happen often enough for government safety experts to name this room one of the two most dangerous in the house, along with the bathroom.

With that in mind, be sure you know these five simple steps that even safety-conscious families sometimes miss.

1. Give grease some respect.

Grease tends to be the Rodney Dangerfield of ingredients, good to have around but mostly ignored, since it's not the main event in a meal. But cooking fires are the number-one cause of residential fires in the U.S. (more common than fires started by smoking), and grease is usually the culprit. Avoid frying and using deep-fat fryers around children and the elderly, who are most at risk since they have more sensitive skin (although anyone can get a nasty burn from splattering grease).

Better yet: If there is a fire, smother it with baking soda or a pot lid, rather than by throwing water on it. Water is apt to spread the flames. If the fire is around a pan, slide a cookie sheet over it using an oven mitt; this may smother the flame. Always keep a currently inspected fire extinguisher within reach in a kitchen.

2. Sharpen your knives.

You'd think sharp means dangerous, and that's true. But dullish blades are more likely to slip during use and therefore can cause more injuries than sharp ones. High-carbon stainless steel holds its sharpness longer than other knife material. Consider avoiding wood handles, which deteriorate over time if washed in the dishwasher, making the knives more prone to slip and harder to use.

Better yet: Learn the basics of safe knife use. Start with dry, clean hands; wet ones may slip. Always chop slowly with your dominant hand, cutting away from your body. To avoid cutting the hand that's holding the food, get in the habit of curling your fingers around and under the food, rather than sticking them out straight.