Your kitchen is home to yummy breakfasts, delicious dinners, and mouth-watering desserts. However, your kitchen can also be home to common damages and mishaps that can be dangerous for both you and your loved ones. Avoid these unfortunate situations by preparing ahead of time and using quality materials for your kitchen from experts like Vadara Quartz.
Spills
Whether you are an amateur cook or professional chef, spills are almost inevitable in the kitchen. Unfortunately, even the smallest spills can pose a danger for falling accidents. Aside from injuring yourself or a loved one, a hot pan could be knocked over in the process, causing a small kitchen fire. Avoid this kitchen mishap by quickly cleaning up any spills that occur. You can also take proper precautions by using “Caution: Wet Floor” signs around the wet area. These small steps may initially seem superfluous, but they can help bypass this common kitchen mishap.
Electrical mishaps
Electrical equipment and kitchen appliances are standard in every kitchen to help make the cooking process convenient and efficient. However, the wires, cords, and plugs can lead to kitchen disasters when not used properly or inspected frequently. To avoid this kitchen mishap, start by making sure each outlet is being used properly. This is especially important since in today’s age more phones, iPads, and computers need charging in addition to the regular kitchen staples. Check to ensure that none of the outlets are crowded or being used improperly. Next, check for any exposed or frayed wires. These can pose a threat to the safety of your kitchen. Lastly, if you see anything that is a red flag or cause for concern, don’t dismiss it. Instead, contact an expert immediately to repair the issue and get your kitchen restored in no time.
Fires
Did you know that cooking in the kitchen cases 44% of home fires? Yikes! Taking the proper precautions to avoid becoming a part of this statistic is crucial. Start by only cooking when you are alert and not distracted. This can be easier said than done, but it crucial to the safety of you, your loved ones, and your home. Next, be aware of flammable materials near the stove. This includes paper towels, dishcloths, and even the clothes that you are wearing (i.e. long-sleeved cotton robes). It is always a good practice to teach small children the dangers that hot kitchen appliances pose and to keep them at least 3 feet away from the stove and oven while cooking. Lastly, ensure that your smoke alarms are up to date and working properly. This will ensure that if a fire does occur the professionals are notified and get to you as quickly as possible.
Ignoring best practices in the kitchen
Many kitchen mishaps are related to ignoring basic kitchen best practices. For example, always turn the pot and pan handles toward the counter instead of the other burners. This will keep you from burning your hand and damaging your equipment. You also want to practice proper kitchen etiquette by using potholders when removing food from the microwave and oven, as well as when taking the lids of steaming pots and pans. Lastly, make sure to wait the proper amount of time before eating hot foods. Your mouth, teeth, and gums are sensitive to hot temperatures and can suffer from first, second, and third-degree burns. Take the proper precautions by letting your food sit for a few minutes to cool down.
Your kitchen should be as safe as it is beautiful. By cleaning up spills, checking on electrical equipment, preventing kitchen fires, and implementing best practices, you will avoid common damages and mishaps.