By Patricia Uyeh

The kitchen is a ‘woman’s little kingdom’ where she holds sway. From this her cherished territory, she churns out delicacies of all sorts like the highly controversial jollof-rice for her family. Because the food is cooked here, the kitchen is an important part of the house that every member of the family visits.

But the kitchen as we know is usually equipped with tools such as pots, knives, spoons, gas cooker, refrigerator, stove, oven and so on. Safety precautions have to be taken to avoid accidents and the spread of bacteria from the use of its many pieces of equipment.

Sharp objects (such as knives, cutters) if not properly handled can result to cuts. Electrical appliances eg microwaves and open fire by the oven can pose as threats to safety if not properly handled and maintained.

It is wise to be safety conscious in the kitchen because one mistake can result to grave injuries or accidents. While you should never leave children alone in the kitchen, you should pay close attention to what you are doing in the kitchen. Ensure you have a kitchen cleanliness strategy and have necessary safety equipment at your fingertips.

Here are some safety tips to observe in the kitchen:

1. Keep knives in a drawer or wooden block. Keep knives far from the reach of children.

2. Don’t cook with loose clothing or with hair exposed. You don’t want your clothing to catch fire accidentally neither do you want to see hair strands in your food.

3. Don’t cook with dangling jewellery. This can get caught up with pot handles. You don’t want to be struggling with your bracelet and pot cover or handle.

4. Turn your pot handles away from the front of the stoves. That way, adults can’t bump into them on the way. Children also will not be able to grab them too.

5. Refrigerate raw meat, fish and certain dairy products that are temperature- sensitive and can spoil quickly to avoid the build-up of bacteria.

6. Ensure you keep the kitchen floor dry so that no one falls or slips.

7. Separate raw meat /chicken from other items to avoid cross-contamination of bacteria of one food to another.

8. Wash your hand thoroughly in the kitchen before and after handling food.

9. Do your best to avoid kitchen fire. Do well to get fire extinguisher in case of fire outbreak.

10. Be careful not to leave pot holders exposed to open flames.