Fire Marshal Offers

Microwave Safety Tips

Although the speed and convenience offered by microwave ovens is a boon to people seeking to prepare food quickly, the devices pose safety hazards to users, according to the town fire marshal.

Based on information provided by the National Institutes of Health, Fire Marshal Bill Halstead offers a number of safety tips on the use of microwave ovens.

To minimize the risk of fire, microwave oven users should never heat items not approved for use in microwave ovens. Users should read the manufacturer’s operating instructions and safety precautions before using a new microwave oven.

Recycled paper products should not be used in microwave ovens unless they are specifically approved for microwave use. Paper towels, napkins and waxed paper contain minute flecks of metal which can cause sparks and flames in a microwave.

Microwave ovens should not be left unattended when popping popcorn. A heat buildup can cause fires. Users should follow written instructions for popcorn, beginning with the minimum heating times specified.

In the event of a fire in a microwave oven, the oven should be turned off immediately. Do not open the oven door until the fire is out. If in doubt, call the fire department.

Use care in heating fluids. The containers that hold fluids may be much cooler to the touch than their contents.

Use gloves to remove items from a microwave. Exercise care in removing a wrapper or cover from a hot item because steam escaping from a heated items can cause burns as the cover is lifted.

Use only microwave-safe containers and utensils. Refer to the oven’s instructions to learn what is safe to use in the oven.

Children who use a microwave oven should be instructed in its use. Children should be tall enough to reach the oven and be able to handle foods safely. More than 50 percent of the people burned using microwave ovens are under five years of age.