12 Smart Strategies to Keep Your Kitchen Safe

1. Mind your pots and pans. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that in 2014 more than 32,000 people were hurt using pots and pans, from burns to shattering glass pans. Mitts are mandatory. And remember — don't take glass dishes directly from the freezer to the oven, and never add liquid when a glass pan is piping hot.

2. Leave it unwashed. Contrary to what you may have heard, there's no need to rinse meat, poultry or fish before cooking. Doing so can spread bacteria to your sink, countertops and other kitchen surfaces.

3. Forgo the cooling-off period. Illness-causing bacteria can grow in perishable foods within two hours. So put leftovers in the refrigerator as soon as possible, even if they're still warm.

4. Don't stick to Teflon. Sure it makes cooking and cleanup easier, but pans coated with Teflon that were made before 2012 contain perfluorooctanoic acid, and studies in lab animals have found exposure to this chemical increases the risk of certain cancers. Stainless steel and cast iron are better choices for cookware.

5. Beware the bagel. Nearly 3,000 people in 2014 cut their hands or fingers while trying to slice a bagel. Either buy them sliced or, better yet, buy a bagel slicer.

6. Marinate in the fridge. Harmful germs in marinade or food can multiply quickly at room temperature.

7. Nuke with care. Microwaves cause more emergency room scald injuries than any other kitchen device. Let food cool a few minutes before removing, and be careful touching a hot container or removing a cover. Allow scalding steam to escape.

8. Put a lid on it. If you're frying, keep a lid nearby to smother a small grease fire.

9. Be dishwasher wise. Place utensils with the sharp end down. Let the machine cool before emptying to prevent burns.

10. Keep knives sharp. Dull knives are more dangerous than sharp ones because they require more force to slice through the food. That makes it more likely you will lose control if the worn edge slips.

11. Chill out. You might be tempted to save energy costs by setting the refrigerator and freezer at slightly higher temperatures, but you'll be beckoning bacteria. Keep the fridge at 40 degrees, the freezer at zero degrees.

12. Rinse all produce. Even if they are prewashed, you should still give your fruits and vegetables a cleaning. Use a brush to remove visible dirt and then rinse them under running water from the faucet. Studies show that this is more effective than using a commercial produce wash.

From "99 Great Ways to Make Your Home Healthier and Safer."

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