The kitchen is a very important area in the house where we prepare food and where families gather and eat together. Yet, it is also one of the most potentially hazardous places at home. It is where fire, liquids, sharp objects and cooking equipment are present. Accidents can happen at anytime if safety precautions are not observed. Safety should be the priority in the kitchen.

Although kitchen safety is a huge topic, this article will give you some important yet simple safety measures that can be undertaken in the kitchen.

All the kitchen equipment, utensils and appliances must be well organized. If you have kids at home, store them in a place where they can't reach. Knives and other objects with sharp points or edges are very hazardous. They may cut and even kill someone. They should be put in safe place that is not reachable by kids. The breakable items such as glassware should be kept in a secure place such as cabinets or drawers.

Always be careful when cooking. Avoid wearing loose clothes or clothes made from synthetic material because there's a risk they can catch fire. Also, never leave the kitchen when cooking even if it is only for a short period because you can sometimes forget food that is cooking. If you really have to attend to something else, you should use a timer or alarm to remind you.

You should also have reliable cooking equipment and kitchen appliances. It can sometimes be more costly but by investing in these types of equipment and appliances will give you more peace of mind that you and your home are safe. The stoves should be positioned in a safe place where there's good ventilation. Always check if there's a smell of gas. Keep inflammable items away from the stove and make sure to turn it off after using.

There should be tongs or pot holders in the kitchen to prevent you from getting burns from hot objects and substances. Fire alarms and extinguishers are also a must have. The fire extinguisher should be placed in a very accessible place so you can easily get it in case of emergencies. Have it checked regularly to check it is functioning.