APP Sink 3 Scrub in. Wash your hands before preparing food and after handling raw meat. Use soap and warm water, and lather for at least 20 seconds. 3 Sanitize your sponge. Toss it in the dishwasher weekly or opt for dishcloths and use a clean one each day. Tap for Food Temps Download the Is My Food Safe? app from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for a searchable database of internal cooking temperatures, information on expiration dates and a direct line to ask questions. Available for iPhones and Androids. 3 Rethink rinsing meat. It's unnecessary and only ends up spreading germs through water splatter. Knife Block 3 Stay sharp. Have your knives sharp- ened regularly. Sharp knives are safer than dull ones because they don't require as much force to use. Keep all knives out of reach of young children, and supervise knife use in older kids. 3 Beware bagels. More than 3,000 people cut their hands each year slicing bagels, according to AARP. Get a bagel slicer. Better yet, buy your bagels sliced. Oven and Stovetop 3 Put potholders away. Potholders and kitchen towels can catch fire if left too close to the burners. 3 Use a meat thermometer. Don't rely on color or texture when determining whether meat is cooked thoroughly. Microwave 3 Handle with care. Microwaves are responsible for more burns than any other kitchen appliance. Always use potholders. ■ FALL 2018 45