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We often invest significant time and money into creating our dream kitchens, complete with high-end appliances and stylish cookware. But even the most well-equipped kitchen can become a place of unexpected hazards. A moment of distraction, a misplaced utensil, or a simple spill can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation.
In fact, statistics from the Singapore Civil Defence Force show that unattended cooking and fires due to electrical origin were major contributors to residential fires in 2024, with unattended cooking accounting for 35% and electrical origin accounting for 31% of those fires. These figures highlight the importance of prioritising safety in our kitchens, no matter how experienced we are in the culinary domain.
Before we can take precautionary measures, it’s important to know what we’re up against. After all, awareness of potential hazards is key to preventing accidents.
Some common kitchen hazards include:
So, where do you start in creating a safer kitchen?
One of the first things to focus on is organisation and cleanliness. A clutter-free and clean kitchen significantly reduces the risk of accidents. So, be sure to keep your countertops clear of unnecessary items, ensuring ample space for food preparation and safe placement of hot cookware. Other than that, wipe up spills immediately to prevent slippery surfaces, and store sharp knives and utensils properly in drawers or knife blocks.
Beyond keeping your kitchen clean, organised, and aesthetically pleasing, it’s crucial to prioritise safety during the cooking process itself. After all, cooking involves heat, sharp utensils, and potentially hazardous appliances.
When cooking on the stovetop, never leave it unattended, especially when using high heat or frying with oil. Also, ensure your cookware is compatible with your stovetop type before cooking up a storm.
When using the oven, remember to protect your hands with oven mitts when handling hot dishes and be cautious of escaping steam when opening the oven door.
In addition, regularly inspect appliance cords for any signs of damage and avoid using them near water. Unplug small kitchen appliances like toasters when they’re not in use to mitigate the risk of electrical fires.
Given that fires are a common occurrence in Singapore, as mentioned earlier, it should come as no surprise that fire safety is of utmost importance in the kitchen, where heat sources and flammable materials coexist. So, to ensure your kitchen remains safe, always keep a working fire extinguisher and familiarise yourself with its operation.
Fire extinguishers aside, preventing fires in the first place is crucial, and one of the most effective ways to do this is to never leave cooking unattended. Also, be mindful of where you place flammable items like oven mitts and kitchen towels, keeping them a safe distance from stovetops and ovens. In the unfortunate event of a grease fire, remember that water is not your friend; use a tight-fitting lid to smother the flames and extinguish the fire safely.
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Aside from your own safety and that of your property, it’s crucial to consider the well-being of your children and pets in the kitchen as well. Curious little hands and paws can easily find their way into trouble if we’re not careful.
To prevent accidents, create a designated safe zone for children away from the stove, oven, and any sharp utensils or appliances. Keep hazardous cleaning products securely stored out of reach, and consider using childproof locks on cabinets and drawers. For pets, ensure food and water bowls are placed away from cooking areas to prevent spills and accidental ingestion of harmful substances.
Alternatively, you can seek out kitchen appliances that prioritise safety features.
At FUJIOH, we understand the importance of creating a secure environment for families. As such, our kitchen appliances, like our induction hobs, are designed with features like child safety locks, residual heat indicators, and safety shutdown functions to minimise risks and provide peace of mind.
Take, for instance, our new Flex Zone Induction Hob. It boasts various safety features, including overflow safety, over-temperature protection, a residual heat sensor, and a child safety lock. Similarly, our 72L Built-in Oven with Pyrolytic Self-Clean comes equipped with a child safety lock and a 4-layered glass door to reduce the risk of burns.
If you require more information on our induction hobs, cooker hoods and other appliances, feel free to get in touch with us at FUJIOH Singapore or email us at fit@fujioh.com.sg.
