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The kitchen is the center of most homes because it’s nurturing. We cook in the kitchen, eat in the kitchen, and just hang out there together most of the time. And how many of us did our homework in our rooms as kids? I know I always sat in the kitchen to do my homework, and it’s where my kids do theirs, no matter how comfortable they can be in the desks in their rooms.

So it’s important to make sure that the kitchen is also a safe place, despite the knives, the fire, and whatever other dangers there might be. Read on for tips to make your kitchen safe, as well as comforting.

1. Clean spills: Spill of any kind- water, juice, and especially grease- can make the floor slippery, so wipe up spills right away to avoid falling. It’s also a good idea to place non-skid rugs in places where spills and splashes are common.
2. Refrigerator temperature: Refrigerators should be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and freezers below 0 degrees to keep food freshest.
3. Thaw meat and poultry in the fridge: Never on the counter! Defrost frozen foods in a cool place to prevent growth of dangerous bacteria.
4. Don’t keep cooked food out too long: Refrigerate foods within two hours of cooking. Help hot food cool faster by dividing it into a few containers.
5. Wash your hands: Wash up before you start cooking, and always after handling raw meat, fish, or eggs.
6. Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate cutting boards for each type of food, and wash well after use. Never put cooked food on a plate you used for raw food prep.
7. Sanitize: Sanitize counters and sinks after use.
8. Change out sponges: The life span of a kitchen sponge is about 4-6 weeks. Meanwhile, make sure to clean them well of any food that might stick to them.
9. Watch out for steam: The steam that comes out when you open a pot can be really hot!
10. Turn pot handles in toward the stove: This keeps them safe from kids, or even from adults bumping into it.
11. Knives: Don’t let yourself get careless about knives; don’t keep them lying on the counter, or in the dishwasher where kids can get to them. Make sure your knives are sharp so they’ll cut your food efficiently and avoid cutting your hands.
12. Keep dangerous chemicals away from kids: Most cleaners contain dangerous chemicals, so keep them in a locked cabinet, or high on a shelf where kids can’t reach.

What are your kitchen safety tips? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter!

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