Microwave & Appliances
Which material should you never use in the microwave because it can spark and start a fire?
Foil
When should you wash your hands while cooking? Choose one common time
Examples: before cooking; after restroom; when changing tasks; after coughing/sneezing.
True or False — Putting frozen raw meat directly into the refrigerator to defrost always prevents cross-contamination. Explain.
False — defrosting in the fridge can be safe if properly contained on the lower shelf; explain risks if not contained.
When carrying a knife, how should the blade be pointed?
Blade pointed toward the ground (or down) when carrying.
What should you do immediately after a small spill happens in the kitchen?
Clean up spills immediately.
Which common kitchen item can cause electric shock if you stick metal into it while plugged in?
Toaster (or other small appliance) — metal objects like knives/forks.
What two things are needed (besides time) to wash your hands properly?
Warm water and soap (and single-use paper towels for drying).
Which situation causes cross-contamination: touching food with cleaned utensils, or raw beef contacting raw chicken?
Raw beef contacting raw chicken (cross-contamination between raw proteins).
Name one safe practice when cutting toward or away from your body/fingers.
Cut away from fingers; keep fingers tucked (claw grip).
How should you turn pan handles to prevent accidents on the stove?
Turn pan handles toward the back/sides of the stove (out of the way).
True or False — Glass is always unsafe in the microwave. Explain your answer.
False — some glass is microwave-safe; check the manufacturer's label.
How long should you vigorously scrub your hands to remove germs effectively?
20 seconds.
How should cutting boards be handled to avoid cross-contamination when switching ingredients?
Wash the cutting board with soap and water between uses and when changing ingredients, or use separate boards for raw meat and produce.
Which action should you never take: catch a falling knife or step back and let it fall? Explain.
Never catch a falling knife — step back and let it fall.
If a grease fire starts in a pan, which of these is correct: throw water on it, smother it with a tight-fitting lid, use baking soda, or blow on it?
Smother with a tight-fitting lid or use baking soda. (Do NOT throw water.)
You notice an appliance sparks when you plug it in. What should you do first?
Unplug the appliance (if safe), stop using it, and tell an adult/teacher.
Which is better for drying hands to reduce the spread of germs: a shared cloth towel or a single-use paper towel? Explain.
Single-use paper towels are better — shared towels can spread germs.
Give two examples of cross-contamination in the kitchen and one way to prevent each.
Examples & prevention: raw meat on counter → clean/sanitize counter and use separate cutting boards; using same knife for raw chicken and salad → wash/sanitize knife or use different knife.
Why should knives never be left hidden in a sink full of water?
Hidden knives can cut someone reaching in; they must be visible and stored safely.
Name three steps to safely remove a hot dish from the oven without burning yourself.
Use oven mitts, pull rack out slightly then remove pan, lift lid away from face to let steam escape.
List two safe practices to prevent electric shock when using small kitchen appliances.
Examples: dry hands before plugging/unplugging, unplug appliances before cleaning, avoid overloaded outlets.
Describe the complete proper handwashing technique step-by-step for cooking (include temperature, soap, time, and drying)
Wet hands with warm water, apply soap, scrub vigorously for 20 seconds, covering all surfaces, rinse, dry with a single-use paper towel, and use the towel to turn off the faucet if needed.
Explain why using the same utensil for raw meat and ready-to-eat food is risky, and list the correct procedure to use instead.
Because raw meats carry bacteria that can transfer to ready-to-eat foods, instead, wash the utensil thoroughly with soap and hot water or use a separate clean utensil.
List three rules for storing and cleaning knives safely.
Keep knives sharp, wash and dry immediately, store separately (knife block/magnetic strip), never leave in sink.
Explain the correct sequence of actions to take during a large kitchen fire (when to evacuate, when to use an extinguisher, who to call).
For a large fire: evacuate the area, activate the alarm/notify an adult, call emergency services (911), use an extinguisher only if trained and safe to do so — otherwise wait for firefighters.