The kitchen is probably the single most dangerous room in our home. The most obvious hazard is the cooking surface. Heating elements in ovens and cook-tops can scorch the hide off a little one's hand in a matter of seconds. Most folks, however, aren't aware that a trash compactor can be even more dangerous. Two young children playing hide-and-seek can result in a small child being crushed in less than a minute. And who hasn't heard stories about a tiny tot suffocating or freezing to death after being caught inside a refrigerator. Can you imagine a curious youngster's hand caught in the bottom of an operating garbage disposal?

The blood curdling events just described -- and more, are the subject of a terrific article published in the May issue of HOME magazine entitled KID-SAFE KITCHEN by Kathryn Richer. Although the article highlights ultra-modern "super-safe" (but expensive) kitchen appliances, it also addresses simple ways to make the kitchen you already have a safer place to be.

There's a magnetic induction cooktop from General Electric's Monogram line that locks out unauthorized users -- and even when the cooktop is on, the surface stays cool. Magnetic induction appliances are expensive and require special cookware. GE's Monogram line also includes a compactor that has its own lock and key, and their dishwasher and cooktop have electronic locking devices.

The article goes on to discuss KWC faucets that have scald prevention temperature control devices that are already popular in shower and tub valves, and a garbage disposal that won't operate unless the safety cover is in place.

We liked the comments about centralizing and locking up knives, other sharp implements, matches and wraps into one location. We add cleaning products to that list as well. If your appliances have removable knobs take advantage by removing them when your appliance isn't in use. A small dowel or yardstick can be dropped through the pulls on a bank of drawers to keep little ones from opening them.

We are of the opinion that the plastic door and drawer latches aren't nearly as safe as an honest-to-goodness key lock. No, you don't have to put key locks on all of your cabinet doors and drawers, but placing a few in key locations could end up saving your child's life.