Kitchen is the heart of a house and good domestic management begins here. Generally, housewives spend most of their time in the kitchen, so it is obvious that children of all age groups would also find their mum there. Therefore, it is important that adequate safety measures are taken in order to make the kitchen a safe place for the entire family. Following are some steps that should be taken for safety in the kitchen:

1. Kitchen floor - Always keep the floor dry and free from grease. Skins of fruits and vegetables should be disposed off properly to prevent any slipping or falling.

2. Equipment
- All sharp equipments like can-openers, knives, graters should be stored in a drawer.
- Use chop-board or wooden-board for cutting vegetables and fruits to avoid bruising of fingers.
- Use strong footstools to reach things placed on high shelves.
- All utensils should be used as per manufacturers’ directions/precautions.
- Make sure that the cords of electrical appliances are not ragged or frayed. This includes toasters, blenders, coffeemakers, espresso machines, electric mixers and electric clocks.

3. Stove - It is important to know the technique of operating the stove safely, no matter which fuel you are using, may it be wood, coal, kerosene, gas or electricity. In urban cities normally gas stoves are used.
- Always remember to close the valve of gas cylinder when it is not in use.
- Open the knob slightly to lit the gas stove. Lighting a fully turned-on gas could be dangerous. If the burner does not ignite and the lighted matchstick or lighter turns off, then turn the knob also off, wait for a minute and try again.
- Make sure that the knobs of all the burners of your cooking range are closed after you finish cooking.
- Never leave cooking items unattended; this may cause a fire. If you have some errands to attend, turn off the gas or electric burner before leaving the kitchen.
- Extinguish oven fires by closing the oven top/door and turning off the heat or use a dry chemical-type fire extinguisher. (Baking soda will also work).
- If grease or any other fat substance or cooking oil catches fire, never use water to extinguish it. Smother the fire by covering it with a lid or use a dry chemical-type fire extinguisher if available e.g. foam / baking soda etc.
- Put a child-lock on your oven.
Make sure to keep matches and lighters out of children’s hands. Store them at a high place.

4. Clothes -
- While cooking, it is dangerous to wear synthetic garments or bangles made of inflammable material.
- Turn the handles of cooking pots and pans to your opposite side to prevent them from getting caught in your clothes.
- Avoid wearing loose sleeves during cooking.
- Likewise, keep oven mitts and dish towels away from stove area.

5. Labelling of containers - It is always advisable to label containers in the kitchen to avoid incorrect usage. Jars containing harmful chemicals, like insecticides and pesticides should always be labelled clearly and stored in a separate cabinet, out of children’s reach.

6. First aid box - Keep a first aid box in the kitchen including essential materials like band-aid, cotton wool pads, antiseptic cream, antiseptic lotion etc.