Scalds can scar for life

Keep pan handles turned in when cooking and keep curtains, towels and cloths well away from cookers – never dry or store tea towels or oven gloves on top of eye level grills

TOP TIPS

• Do not put hot glass dishes or utensils on to wet or cold surfaces as this can cause the dish to crack or even shatter 
• Do not use damp or wet cloths to pick up hot utensils as this can lead to steam burns
• Never leave empty glass cooking utensils on electric cookers.  If the heat is accidentally left on the utensils could explode

Microwaves

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for both the food and the microwave oven.  Cooking for longer than the recommended time can lead to the food ‘exploding’ 

Always allow the food to stand for the recommended time after removing from the microwave – the food will still be cooking!

Only ever use microwave safe crockery 

Refrigerators

Keep internal temperature at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or under.  Get a good thermometer for the fridge and keep it where you can see it easily. 

Food storage

Keep food either hot or cold; bacteria grows best on food that is luke warm.  Be especially careful storing raw poultry, seafood and foods with a base of eggs such as mayonnaise. 

Hot food needs to be cooled down before being put in the fridge or it will raise the inside temperature and risks spoiling the other food. 

Seafood should ideally be stored on top of ice in a colander and placed on top of a bowl or something similar, so that when the ice melts it will drain into the bowl underneath.