Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Common Sense Can Make Kitchens Much Safer

Barbara A. Holt, Ph.D.

Clark County Extension Agent

Family and Consumer Sciences

Cooperative Extension Service

SAFE KITCHEN

How safe is your kitchen? Kitchens today are centers of activity for all family members, young and old alike. An efficient, safe kitchen will accommodate the full range of users.

It isn't especially expensive or difficult to create a kitchen that works for eveyone. Attention to a few simple changes can make a big difference in both safety and convenience, according to Eleanor Walls, housing Specialist, Cooperative Service, University of Arkansas.

Non-slip flooring should be a first priority, especially with children, pregnant women and seniors. If you use a small rug in the kitchen, a rubber backing can help keep it in place. A resilient floor will be easier on backs, feet and legs than will tile or other hard surfaces.

When tile is chosen for the kitchen floor, make sure it has a non- slip finish and is designed for floors rather than for wall applications. Wood floors in kitchens require a lot of extra work because wood and water do not mix. If you have a wood floor, be very careful with the kind of finish you use on it. Wax and water is a sure recipe for a fall.

A side-by-side refrigerator is easier for small children, and anyone in a wheelchair, to reach freezer contents. Remember, though, that this kind of freezer may be too narrow to store large items like frozen pizzas.

Locating the microwave oven where it is accessible to all family members is another consideration. Make sure there is adequate counter space in front or immediately to the latch side of the microwave to set hot containers coming from the microwave.

The bottom of the microwave should not be more than 48 inches from the floor, or 12 inches above the counter top, for everyone's safe use. That means that installing it over the cook top is only the very last resort when there is no other place to put it.

If there are little ones in the household, or even occasional small visitors, consider locks on some of the base cabinets where chemicals and cleaning supplies may be stored.

Make sure there is an out-of-reach place for knife storage. Think about safety when you choose tools to do a job. Why not give a child a pizza cutter to cut soft foods instead of a knife? Make it easier for the children to get their own snacks. Store approved snacks in a low cabinet or shelf so they can help themselves independently.

Another critical safety factor in kitchen safety is installing enough electrical circuits and outlets so extension cords for small appliances are unnecessary. Kitchen in older homes were built before many of the common kitchen appliances were taken for granted now were invented.

Safety in the kitchen for all membaers of the family is even more important now that more family members get involved in kitchen activities. Take a close look at your kitchen and determine if there are a few simple things you can do to make it more safe and convenient.

Find out more about kitchen planning and home safety at the Clark County Extension office, 5th and Clay Street in Arkadelphia, or call 246- 02281.