People & Pet Friendly

When you plan your new kitchen make sure you address the special needs of children, elders, and pets. Making your kitchen friendly and safe means:
• looking at scald protection faucets or plumbing No Burns.com
• locating items within easy reach so as not to invite a potential fall or breakage
• raising or lowering counter heights
• providing a comfortable and stable place to sit during activities
• addressing the air in your kitchen to make sure it is clean and non-toxic (to include a Carbon-Monoxide detector). For a free copy of "How Healthy is the Air in Your Home" or more information call the Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-438-4318.
• securing cabinets or drawers that contain sharp items or toxic chemicals
• create a floorplan with smooth transitions
• choosing details to emphasize edges of countertops and stairs
• addressing lighting requirements
• easy access to fire extinguisher with a working smoke alarm
• choosing surface materials that can reduce the chances of slipping

Soft (vinyl, linoleum, rubber, etc.) and semi-soft (wood) floors are a good choice for a kitchen with children, elderly, and pets. They are comfortable, durable, and stand up to spills. For more information see Flooring in our Products Phase or link to "Child-Friendlier Kitchens" from the Hardwood Information Center. Also see additional ideas for ("A Kid-Friendly Kitchen") from Better Homes & Gardens