1. Ask an adult to be your kitchen assistant!
* It’s better to be safe than sorry if you’re not sure how to do something.

2. Be careful when hot!
* Always use potholders when handling hot dishes, bowls, mugs, plates or pans that are hot from the stove, oven or microwave.
* Keep paper towels and other paper stuff like recipes away from hot surfaces. Even kitchen towels can catch on fire—keep them away from hot surfaces, too.
* Steer clear of steam! When you cook food in covered pots, pans or bowls, lots of very hot steam builds up inside. Stay safe! Always open lids away from you.

3. Take extra time and care with sharp stuff!
* Carry knives or scissors pointed down and at your side. Set a knife down so the sharp blade points toward the back of the kitchen counter.
* Never rush when cutting food.
* If you’re not sure how to cut something, ask an adult for help.

4. Look! Is it “on” or “off”?
* Check that all electrical appliances are in the “off” position before plugging them in.
* Only turn on a stovetop burner when a pan is sitting on it. Otherwise, someone might touch the hot burner by accident and get burned.
* Turn off the oven and stovetop burners right after you finish cooking.

5. Note! Very important hazard warnings!
* Never put a utensil or your fingers in the container or bowl of a mixer or other electrical appliance in motion.
* Squish scraps down the garbage disposal with a “pusher” before turning the disposal on. Never, ever use your hands.
* Dry your hands extra well before plugging in, unplugging or using anything electrical.
* Put a moist paper towel underneath the cutting board to keep the board from slipping.
* Only put microwave-safe materials in the microwave. Some things that are not microwave-safe are aluminum cans and foil, tins and silverware. Look for “microwave-safe” or similar words on the bottom of plates, dishes and other food containers.

6. Dress right!
* No bare (smelly!) feet or open (squiggly!) toed shoes. Your shoes shouldn’t be slippery when wet.
* Save dangling jewelry, hair or sleeves for dancing, not cooking. They can catch on things.

7. Touch with caution!
* It’s best to use plastic gloves when handling jalapeno peppers, other spicy foods and extra-strong cleaning detergents. Don’t touch your eyes or nose after touching a chili pepper. It stings!

Printed with permission from the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation www.ific.org.