FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Abena Foreman-Trice
(434) 243-2734

 

SAFE KIDS OFFERS TIPS FOR ACCIDENT-FREE HOLIDAY:
SAFE KIDS U.Va. Children’s Medical Center Offers Kitchen Safety Guidelines for Thanksgiving Season

For many families, working together to cook an elaborate meal is a Thanksgiving tradition. However, families should be aware of the extra safety precautions needed when children are assisting. Emily Lyster, licensed clinical social worker and coordinator of SAFE KIDS U.Va. Children’s Medical Center, recommends that parents assign kitchen tasks based on their children’s abilities. 

“Every child is different, so it’s important for parents to consider the developmental level of their children before assigning kitchen duties. 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, said Lyster.”

SAFE KIDS U.Va. Children’s Medical Center 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.  Also, never leave cooking food unattended. According to SAFE KIDS, it is the number one cause of house fires.

The National SAFE KIDS campaign suggests the following guidelines for matching tasks with children’s abilities:

  • Children over age 5 can stir together ingredients, rinse foods under cold water and use a cookie cutter.
  • Those 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.  To learn about U.Va.'s SAFE KIDS program, and more ways to prevent injuries, visit U.Va's SAFE KIDS website.  To produce a story, please call Abena Foreman-Trice in the Public Relations office at (434) 243-2734.

The SAFE KIDS U.Va. Children’s Medical Center is part of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, the first and only national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury -- the number one killer of children ages 14 and under. 

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