Safety in the Kitchen

Good kitchen design has safety built-in to it. Host Joan Kohn visits with design expert Steve Levine for tips about good design that is both beautiful and safe.

• Minimize space between counters, which decreases traffic and minimizes potential hazards.
• Leave enough landing space on either side of cooktops for hot pots and pans .
• Include outlets on either side of the cooktop so appliances needn't be dragged across the hot surface.
• Never place a window behind a cooktop. Breezes could interfere with the safe working of a pilot light.
• To prevent falls, make sure wood or tile flooring is not highly glossed, and area rugs have rubber pads to keep them from moving.
• Use noncombustible materials for the backsplash behind cooktops, like tile and stone or stainless steel.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Place the smoke alarm near the kitchen but not so close to the cooktop that normal steam and heat from cooking will set it off.
• Set water temperature no higher than 120 degrees to avoid scalding.
• Hanging pots and pans look attractive, but may tempt young children to climb .
• Always turn hot pot handles toward the back of the stove.
• Use electric appliances away from the sink and water areas.
• Use child safety latches on lower cabinetry and keep poisons up high, out of reach.