Chapter 8 Play It Safe! 157
To Prevent Other Hazards
There are many other safety hazards in
the kitchen. Here are ways to prevent them.
• Store plastic bags out of children's
reach. Children can suffocate if
they cover their faces with plastic. A
small child may bite off pieces that
can get caught in his or her throat.
• Keep cabinets and drawers closed.
Injuries occur when people bump
into open cabinets and drawers.
• Store aerosol sprays in a cool place.
These products are under pressure.
Heat can cause their containers to
explode. Dispose of aerosol cans
in nonburnable trash. Burning the
empty can may cause it to explode.
• Avoid shaking soft drinks. This could
cause them to explode. Tilt them
away from yourself and others when
opening them.
• Only use a charcoal grill outside,
8-10. It produces a deadly gas
called carbon monoxide. Outside,
this colorless and odorless gas can
disperse. Inside, it is trapped by the
walls and can build up and kill you
in minutes. Charcoal grills also can
cause fi res when used inside.
Basic First Aid
Even when you are very careful, ac-
cidents sometimes happen. Injuries can
result. A child bumps into an open drawer.
You mistakenly pick up a hot pan without a
pot holder and burn yourself. A glass shat-
ters as you wash dishes in the sink. You get
a bad cut. When an accident happens, you
need to know what to do.
Treatment given to people right after
an accident is called first aid. It helps
to relieve pain and prevent further injury.
Giving first aid takes knowledge and skill. If
you lack these, you could cause more harm
to yourself or others.
You can give first aid yourself if you or
someone else has only a small injury. You
may need to aid a victim with serious injuries
before calling for help. For instance, severe
bleeding must be stopped right away.
The following information describes
basic first aid techniques.
Small Cuts
1. Wash area with soap and water.
2. Apply a mild antiseptic and bandage.
8-10 8-10
To prevent fi res and buildup of To prevent fi res and buildup of
carbon monoxide gas, always use charcoal carbon monoxide gas, always use charcoal
grills grills outside.outside.
Note: In addition to charcoal grills, carbon monoxide can be
produced by gas engine exhaust. This is why cars and lawn
mowers should not be started inside a closed garage. Carbon
monoxide also can be produced by some home heating systems.
More and more people are installing carbon monoxide detectors.
Many of these detectors plug into a wall outlet.
Discuss: What items should be put in a fi rst aid kit?