1000 SW Jackson
Suite 230
Topeka, KS 66612-1274
(785) 296-1223
(785) 296-8645 (FAX)

Coordinator:
Jan Stegelman

Executive Committee:
Randall Bolin
NHTSA Region VII

Dennis Cooley, MD
Medical Advisor
American Academy of
Pediatrics, Kansas
Chapter

John Drees
Douglas County
SAFE KIDS Coalition

Vanda Easley
State Farm Insurance
Companies

Jim Keating
Kansas State
Firefighters Association

Elena Nuss
Kansas State
Fire Marshal's Office

Cindy Samuelson
Kansas Hospital Association

Kansas SAFE KIDS Offers Kitchen Safety
Guidelines for Thanksgiving Season

(Topeka, KS) - For many families, working together to cook an elaborate meal is a Thanksgiving tradition. But bringing children into the kitchen to assist with preparations requires extra safety precautions, according to Kansas SAFE KIDS.

"Every child is different, so it's important for parents to consider the developmental level and ability of their children before assigning kitchen duties," said Jan Stegelman, Coordinator of Kansas SAFE KIDS. "Generally, children under 10 do not fully understand what danger means and therefore should not handle the stove, electrical appliances, sharp utensils or hot dishes. But many younger children can begin helping in the kitchen with basics like washing fruits and vegetables."

Kansas SAFE KIDS recommends that parents take care of the basics, such as always having a fire extinguisher nearby and posting emergency numbers near the phone, before introducing children to the kitchen. Close supervision is also suggested. Whether a child is helping an adult cook or simply watching, he or she should never be left unattended. Equally important, never leave cooking food unattended - it is the number one cause of house fires.

Kansas SAFE KIDS has developed the following guidelines to help keep the kitchen a fun, safe place for the family by matching up a child's abilities with the appropriate cooking tasks:

• Children over age 5 can stir ingredients together, rinse foods under cold water and use a cookie cutter.
• Children over the age of 10 can squeeze garlic from a press and use electrical kitchen appliances such as blenders, toasters and microwaves.
• Kids 12 and older can chop or slice with a paring knife, turn stoves on and off, peel vegetables and use electric can openers.

For more information on injury prevention in the kitchen and additional child safety matters, visit www.safekids.org .

Kansas SAFE KIDS, Inc. is a nonprofit Coalition of 67 statewide organizations and businesses dedicated to preventing unintentional injuries to Kansas children ages 0-14. Local coalitions and chapters are located in Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Clay, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Ford, Franklin, Geary, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Montgomery, Nemaha, Osage, Pottawatomie, Republic, Rice, Saline, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, and Woodson Counties, as well as Chanute, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Norton, Pittsburg, Wichita and the Metro Kansas City Area.