DON’T LET YOUR MICROWAVE SPARK A FIRE

In June, an apartment fire sparked by a microwave oven displaced residents in a two-story 10-unit apartment complex in Isla Vista. Although the fire caused extensive smoke damage to the apartment in which it originated, thankfully no injuries were reported.

In this issue, we’ll talk about the potential fire hazard posed by microwave ovens and share steps you can take to make sure your home or business issafere from experiencing such an occurrence.

​ARE MICROWAVE OVENS KNOWN FOR CAUSING FIRES?

Indeed, they are. Between 2007-11, fire departments in the U.S. responded to an average of 7,100 fires annually that were caused by microwave ovens. These fires resulted in an average of 150 civilian injuries and $31 million in direct property damage.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THERE’S A FIRE INSIDE THE MICROWAVE?

Simply leave the microwave door closed and unplug the unit from the wall. If the fire does not go out, go outside and call your local fire department.

HOW CAN I ENSURE SAFE USE OF MY MICROWAVE?

While the convenience offered by a microwave oven is something we often take for granted, safety in using it should not be.Make sure your microwave oven is listed by a qualified testing laboratory.

• Never use an extension cord with your microwave; instead, make sure it’s plugged directly into a wall outlet.
• When food is cooked, open the microwave door slowly and away from your face, as hot steam or the food can cause burns.
• Make sure the microwave is kept at a safe height and within easy reach of all users.
• Because microwaves unevenly cook food, always stir and test the food before giving it to children.

WHAT SHOULD I KEEP OUT OF THE MICROWAVE?

These items should never be placed in a microwave oven:

• Anything that has metal – including aluminum foil, Chinese take-out order containers and plates with a metallic ring
• Styrofoam containers
• Plastic containers that are not marked as being “microwave safe”
• Utensils

CALL J&M KEYSTONE FOR HOME AND BUSINESS FIRE RESTORATION IN SAN DIEGO

If your home or business is damaged or destroyed by fire, keep the home restoration experts at J&M Keystone in mind.
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You can reach us 24/7 by calling 800-368-2757.