Are You Using Your Microwave Safely?

More than 90% of the homes in the United States have a microwave, so your family probably recognizes how helpful it can be to have this convenience available. As much as it is convenient, there are also many dangers that you and your children need to be aware of whenever using a microwave to prepare food. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a few safety tips to keep in mind to make sure you are using your microwave safely:

• Always be sure that any container you place in the microwave is safe. Most microwave safe containers are made of glass, plastic, paper, or ceramic.
• Never use any metal pans or aluminum foil which can reflect heat and damage your oven. Each microwave comes with instructions that explain which containers are safe to use, and how to test whether or not they might be dangerous.
• Never over heat water or liquid in the microwave.  Overheating water can lead to superheated water—past boiling temperature but which can appear still.  A container of superheated water could erupt if disturbed, and lead to serious skin burns or scalding.
• Never use a microwave oven if the door does not close firmly, if it is bent or is damaged in any way.
• Don’t stand directly against a microwave oven while it is running, and make sure your children do not do this either.
• Show children how to cook their favorite foods, and to always use the correct containers when preparing these meals.

Check out the FDA’s site for more information about how microwaves work, and how you can make sure you and your family are using it safely. The National Ag Safety Database has an extensive checklist of steps for you to go over with your children to make sure they understand and avoid accidents.