Chapter 8 Play It Safe! 149
• Store knives in racks or special con-
tainers. See 8-l. If they are stored
loose in drawers, you could cut
yourself badly when you reach into
the drawer.
Other items in the kitchen also can
cause cuts. Follow these safety practices.
• Use a can opener that leaves a
smooth edge. Ragged edges are
very dangerous. Open the can com-
pletely and remove the lid. Leaving
the lid attached to the can or bend-
ing it can cause painful cuts.
• Keep your fi ngers away from the
blades in blenders and food proces-
sors. Unplug the appliance if food
becomes stuck in the blades or if
you need to remove the blades.
• Discard cracked or chipped glasses
and cups.
• Sweep up broken glass right away.
Don't pick it up with your fi ngers.
Wipe up the tiny slivers with a
damp paper towel. If a glass or dish
breaks in the sink, wrap your hand
in a towel. Slowly fi nd the drain and
open it. When the sink is empty,
use the towel to remove the broken
pieces.
To Prevent Falls
Falls are the most common cause of
accidental death in the home. They also
cause serious injuries such as broken
bones. A wet floor, objects left laying on
the floor, and chairs used as ladders can
cause falls.
Here are some ways to avoid falls.
• Keep fl oors clean and dry. Just a
little water or food makes fl oors
slippery. Always wipe up spills right
away. If the fl oor is wet, wait until it
dries before walking on it.
• Be sure all rugs have a nonskid
backing. These rugs do not slide
easily. You will be less likely to slip
on rugs with this backing. Keep
the walkways in the kitchen clear.
Open drawers, electrical cords,
toys, shoes, and other objects may
trip you.
• Use a sturdy stepladder to reach
high shelves. See 8-2. A chair, box,
or wobbly ladder may tip over.
8-1 8-1
Special storage racks provide a safesafe Special storage racks provide a
way to store knives.knives. way to store
Discuss: How can each of these safety tips help prevent cuts?
Activity: Have students design a poster that describes how to
prevent falls.