How to Design a Safe Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the busiest, most accident-prone rooms in the house. Design a kitchen that will keep your family and guests safe.

Step 1: Design Design a floor plan that routes traffic away from the cooking area. Avoid putting appliances near an entrance or exit.
Step 2: Protect children Protect children by purchasing appliances that provide a programmable lockout system or with lockout covers.
Step 3: Keep fire extinguisher Keep a fire extinguisher near a room exit. Never store it near or beneath a cooktop or stove.
Step 4: Use slip-resistant flooring Use slip-resistant flooring, such as laminate, textured tile, matte-finished wood, or soft glazed ceramic tile.
TIP: Use throw rugs with non-slip backings for added precautions.
Step 5: Purchase cooktop Purchase a safe cooktop with controls in the front or along the side of the unit. Look for a cooktop where the burners are staggered or are in one straight row.
Step 6: Keep away from water Keep plugs, electrical switches, and lighting fixtures away from water sources. All electrical receptacles should be grounded and protected with ground-fault circuit interrupters in case there is a power surge or moisture.
Step 7: Provide good lighting Provide good lighting throughout the kitchen, especially above areas where you prepare food.
TIP: Lighting should not produce shadows or glares on a work surface.
Step 8: Regulate water Prevent water from getting to dangerous heat levels by installing faucets with anti-scald devices.
FACT: Hot tap water is responsible for more deaths and hospitalizations than burns from any other hot liquids.