safe your kitchen

• Stow away a first-aid kit and a fire blanket in one of your cabinets.
• Ensure that there's a distance of at least 3ft between your cooking range and refrigerator. Electricity and fire never mix well.
• Never allow electric cords to trail on the countertop or the floor. There may be wet ingredients or water spills that may trigger short-circuits.
• Do not climb on countertops to reach overhead lofts. Use a step-stool instead. It's a safer, easier climb.
• Store your knives with their sharp edges inside a wooden knife block (you can find these at any quality departmental store).
• Check fortnightly for any breaks and cuts on electric cords.
• Clean up wet spillages instantly; always allow the floor to dry before walking on it.
• Avoid using multiple plugs and extensions cords - they overload the circuits and can lead to a fire.
• Avoid placing electric sockets near the sink. Install your microwave and toaster as far as possible from the sink.
• Keep your floor clear of boxes, stools, grocery bags, mopping buckets and the like to avoid any chances of tripping.
• Store all chemical cleaners in the lowest cabinet cupboard so that leaks do not contaminate food.
• Make a list of all your emergency telephone numbers such as fire, gas leakage and ambulance services and tack it up next to your telephone. You never know when you may need any of them!
• In case of a fire that's spreading due to an oil spill, cover the source with a fire blanket or a damp cloth and turn off the gas supply. Don't use water!
• If a fire starts in a microwave or oven, shut the door, keep it closed, and turn off the electricity.
• In case of cooking-gas leakage, turn off the supply line for piped gas or the valve of the gas cylinder. Open all the windows; do not use a match, or switch on lights - it could all explode in your face. If gas continues to leak, call the gas company and get out of the house. If your clothes happen to catch fire, quickly drop to the floor and roll while keeping your eyes covered.