Avoid leaving food that is cooking unattended for a long period of time, if at all. If using a timer, have it with you at all times to remind you that you have something brewing in the kitchen.

Do not go and start another project while cooking. When a pot of food goes dry, it can start a fire.

Always make sure the oven and stovetop are clean. Residue grease and food can catch fire.

Heat cooking oil slowly over moderate heat and never leave hot oil unattended.

Do not wear long, loose sleeves that can hang over the stove while cooking. Tie back long hair when cooking.

Do not store food or tools where it is necessary to reach across the cooker to retrieve them.

Use potholders and oven mitts. Well insulated mitts and potholders will prevent burns IF they are dry. Get a dry one if the one you are using gets wet. Water conducts heat directly to your hand so you might as well not use one at all if it's not dry.

Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags well away from the cooker. If a burner is accidentally turned on, it could start a fire.

Curtains should not be hung close to the cooker as they can easily catch alight.

Do not leave plastic items on the stove. They can eventually melt from the heat of the pilot light.

If the oil or fat in a pan catches alight, DO NOT POUR ON WATER. Soak a towel or tea towel in water, ring out and then VERY CAREFULLY place this cloth over the top of the burning pan. LEAVE for at least THIRTY MINUTES. If it is removed before this time the flame will reignite.

For a grease fire in a pan on the stove, cover the pan with its lid if you can do it without getting burned. The lack of oxygen should put out the fire.

If you cannot put a lid on a pan with burning grease, throw bicarbonate of soda over the fire.

Pour 2-3 packets of bicarbonate of soda into a large can or jar and store near the stove. Do not keep the can on the stove or in a cupboard above the stove, or you would either never be able to get to it or you could get burned trying.

If you open the oven door and see flames, close the door and turn the oven off. The lack of oxygen should put out the fire. If you see flames in a closed oven, do not open the door unless you have a fire extinguisher ready or a can of baking soda to throw on it. The extra oxygen will fan the flames.

A fire extinguisher is very useful to have in any kitchen. Fire extinguishers need to be checked, refilled, or replaced occasionally (read the labels) or they may be of no use when you need them. Read and follow the label instructions before a fire could occur because you would not have time to read after a fire starts.

A fire blanket should be positioned close to the cooking area in the kitchen.

Never put anything metallic inside your microwave.

Food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot. Remove the lids or other coverings from micro waved food carefully to prevent steam burns.

To avoid pots or pans getting knocked over always turn the handles to the side, but make sure their handles do not extend over adjacent burners.

If you spill something on the floor, clean it up. Keep a mop or such handy for this purpose.
Always be sure the blender is unplugged before touching the blades.

When processing hot liquids in a blender, make sure the blender's lid is back on, cover the lid with a towel and your hand, before proceeding to blend. Do not fill the blender more than half-full. Always unplug before cleaning the blades

Never overload sockets – use one plug in each socket. If you have to, use a fused adapter and keep the total output to no more than 13 amps (a kettle alone uses 13 amps). Remember, high-rated appliances such as washing machines always need their own socket.

Make sure plugs have the correct fuse for the appliance being used. If in doubt, refer to the manufacturers instructions.

Keep electrical leads and appliances away from water.

Dry your hands before plugging or unplugging appliances. Unplug electric mixer before removing beaters.

Unplug appliances when not in use.

If an appliance smells funny, doesn't function correctly, or has frayed or broken wiring, have it repaired or replaced.

Use a spark device to light gas cookers as this is safer than using matches or lighters.

Never leave children alone in the kitchen. Keep matches, lighters and pan handles where children can’t reach them. Fit a child safety catch to the oven door.

Always use a dry cloth when removing a hot dish from the oven or cooker. “Your sleeve is not an oven mitt”.

Avoid putting hot glasses or dishes on a cold surface, they will crack instantly.

Keep your knives sharp. Dull knives can slip and end up cutting you because you will use more pressure to cut.

Do not put knives or other sharp objects into a full sink. Someone could reach in and accidentally get hurt. Do not leave sharp knives loose in a drawer.

When you are working with a knife and you lay it down, do not lay it down with the edge pointing up.

Dispose of broken glass carefully. Clean up the large pieces, then sweep. Use a damp paper towel to clean up any small shards. Wrap the broken glass in old newspaper and dispose safely in an outdoor rubbish bin. Do not use a sponge or dish rag to clear up glass as someone might get cut on it later.

If you smell gas, turn off all gas jets and extinguish all cigarettes. Turn off the gas supply at the mains. Don't use a torch or candles. Open windows to disperse any build up of gas. If the smell of gas persists, call the gas supply office immediately.

Remove the entire lid when opening a metal can, then put lid inside the empty can before disposing of it in an outdoor recycling bin.

Lift lids away from your face when checking the contents of a pot. Steam is very hot and can be completely invisible. Turn burners off before pan is removed.

Adjust oven racks before you turn on the oven. Never adjust an oven rack while there is a casserole or tray of food on it.

Launder dishtowels and sponges frequently to get rid of bacteria or simply replace often.

Always cut on a proper cutting surface. Placing a damp towel under a cutting board will keep it from sliding around. Or, use cutting boards with rubber, non-skid feet.

Cook all meat and poultry, or casseroles that contain meat or poultry, at a minimum oven temperature of 170°C/325°F. Cook meats thoroughly, but do not overcook them.

Date leftovers so they can be used within 2-3 days. If in doubt, throw it out!

Store all uncooked food on racks BELOW cooked food in the refrigerator to avoid contamination from drippings.

Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator or in a microwave, not at room temperature. Defrost meat, poultry and fish products in the refrigerator, microwave oven, or cold water that is changed every 30 minutes. Changing water every 30 minutes ensures that the food is kept cold, an important factor in slowing bacterial growth on the outside while the inside is still thawing.

Cook microwave-defrosted food immediately after thawing.

Never put cooked food on the same plate that was used for raw food until the s been thoroughly washed.

Never empty ashtrays into wastepaper baskets. Keep rubbish bins safely covered.

Always store cleaning liquids or other toxic fluids in their original containers.

If you cut yourself, immediately wash the area with antiseptic and apply pressure to the area with a clean towel. If the cut is not too deep and the bleeding stops, apply an antiseptic cream and bandage. However, if the cut is deep and there is heavy bleeding, apply direct pressure and seek medical help.

If you burn yourself immediately apply an ice pack or submerge your hand in ice water. If the ice water becomes too cold and uncomfortable, remove until the pain begins to return and keep repeating until the pain subsides.

If the burning pain lasts more than an hour you should call a doctor. Do not apply a burn cream until after the burning sensation is gone. A first-degree burn will turn red. A second-degree burn will blister. For anything more serious, you need to seek medical help.

Make sure there is a smoke alarm installed in your kitchen. Test it once a month and the batteries should be replaced at least once a year

Keep a stocked first aid kit in the kitchen.

If your clothing catches fire, do not run. Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over and over to smother the flames. If someone else's clothes catch fire, push them to the ground and roll them over and over, or smother the flames with a flame-resistant blanket or carpet.

Use kitchen steps, a stool or chair to reach items in high places.

Avoid cooking if you are tired, have been drinking alcohol or are taking medication that can make you drowsy.

“I hear and I forget, I see and I remember. I do and I understand. “