One of the best home safety practices you should incorporate into your daily lifestyle is kitchen safety. For both adults and the young, the kitchen can be a place that poses several risks. It is even more so if you are 65 years or older, as physical abilities tend to reduce as one grows older.

Ensuring your kitchen is safe and usable is a good way to prevent unwanted accidents such as slips and falls, fires, and other potential damages. Here’s a kitchen safety checklist that will help you enjoy your stay in independent living without worries.

For Fire Prevention and General Safety

Always keep your dish towels in a safe place. Leaving them hanging on the wall over a stovetop or on oven handles is not safe, as the towels can brush against burners and ignite a fire.
Keep pot holders and plastic utensils away from burners so they don’t ignite and cause a fire.
Ensure that your kitchen ventilation system is always clean, as dirty ventilation systems can cause kitchen fires.
Don’t forget what you are cooking on the burner. If you tend to forget things, be sure to set a timer.
Ensure that there is enough light at the sink, countertop areas, and over the stove to prevent burns and fire injuries while cooking.
Store sharp objects like knives, kitchen shears, and others properly in safe storage.
To avoid shocks, be sure to keep all appliances away from the water source.
Ensure that you get an electrician to check and fix wiring outlets to avoid sparks that can trigger fire incidents.

To Prevent Falls and Slips

Lower your risks of slipping and falling in your kitchen with the tips below.

Store your utensils or frequently used items in areas you can easily reach without a step stool or ladder.
If you spill anything, ensure that you clean it up immediately to avoid slipping.
Avoid clutter on the counter and that can cause worse injuries when a fall occurs.
Don’t work barefoot or with slippery shoes when in the kitchen. Always wear slip-free slippers or shoes in the kitchen.
Opt for unbreakable dinnerware as that is a good way to prevent injuries from broken glass.
Place a non-slip mat or rug around your sink area. It will help to absorb spills from the sink.

For Prevention of Food-Borne Illness

Food storage is an important part of kitchen safety for adults that you shouldn’t overlook. Below are a few tips you can use to evaluate your kitchen:

Ensure that you label every food you store in your refrigerator with dates to help you know when it’s time to toss it.
Set your refrigerator to 40 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the perishables in it safe.
Reheat your food properly at the right temperature. If you are not sure about something, you can ask around or check through the internet.

Safety Systems You Need

Smoke and fire detector and alarms
Easily accessible fire extinguisher
Automatic shut-off devices

It’s important to ensure that the independent living community of your choice has the right amenities before moving in. These amenities put in place will make it easy for you to ensure safety in your apartment.