Kitchen AccidentsAnd Prevention

THE FIRST THING TO DO IN ANY ACCIDENT IS TO STAY CALM!!!!

Cuts• Use sharp knives• Cut food on a flat surface• Do not put knives in water• Store knives in drawer divider or knife

rack• Broken glass – sweep up large pieces, use

a wet paper towel for small fragments• Cut occurs – apply pressure and seek

medical attention

Burns• Use oven mitts or pot holders that are

dry• Keep handles facing to the inside of the

stove• Lift lids away from your face, to avoid

steam• Stand to the side of oven when opening• Burn occur – run under cold water, apply

ice and seek medical attention

Falls• Wipe up spills• Avoid slippery throw rugs• Use a step-stool to reach high places• Close cabinet doors completely• Store heavy pots and pans on low shelvesSomeone falls – leave alone and seek

medical attention

Poison• Keep cleaning supplies away from food and

children• do not transfer cleaning supplies to unmarked

containers• Do not mix cleaning products together – may

cause poisonous fumes• Keep medicine up high away from children• In case of poison – call 911 or your local poison

control center

Fires• Keep flammable items away from stove• Do not leave food unattended while cooking• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that

dangles• If a fire occurs inside microwave, disconnect

and keep door closed• Grease fire – cut off oxygen, use baking soda or

salt. Do not use water• Paper fire – use water

Electric Shock• Do not plug in or operate electric items near

water• Unplug cords at the plug, do not pull on cord• Polarized plugs (3 prong plug)• Do not over load plugs• Electric shock – DO NOT touch the person

directly. Cut current and/or use a non-conductive item to remove the person from the current

Choking• Use the Heimlich Maneuver• Prevent by eating slower and smaller

bites

Special Needs for Accident Prevention

• Children• Never leave young children alone• Use safety latches• Set up a child size table

• Aging Adults and People with Disabilities• Relabel items in larger letters/magnifying glass• Store frequently used equipments in easy-to-reach places• Use nonbreakable dishes and glassware• Provide tongs or grippers to grab items• Provide a stool or chair so the person can sit while working

7.2 Questions

1. Name three ways to prevent falls.2. Give three suggestions that might

improve kitchen safety for an older person with special needs.

3. Name 2 things you should do in case an accident does occur in the kitchen