Saturday Shots: Kitchen Appliances!

It's Saturday! Instead of waiting for something to go wrong with your house, be preventive. After a couple shots of morning espresso, let's spend 15 minutes taking a quick look around... and maybe making a couple of quick repairs.

Saturday Shots: Kitchen Appliances!

Last week, we looked at avoiding dryer fires. This week, let's tackle an easy one... kitchen appliances. It is amazing how many people are hurt in the kitchen... especially kids. 

The Microwave

The microwave has transformed our culture by drastically reducing the time it takes to heat, melt, soften, thaw, and even communicate. Microwave-safe containers are now the norm – and my family never thinks twice about using the microwave. According to the NFPA, almost half of microwave oven injuries treated at emergency rooms are scalds. And  children under five suffered one third of those scalds.

Following are a few recommended safety tips:

• Make sure your microwave oven has the label of an independent testing laboratory
• Complete and submit the registration card to receive information on recalls
• Make sure the microwave oven is at a safe height for all users.
• Plug the microwave (and all appliances, for that matter) directly into the outlet to avoid fire. Most extension cords are not capable of handling the full energy load without overheating.
• Open food containers slowly, away from your face to avoid steam burns.

When I worked in a restaurant, I discovered that I could get a cool blue temporary flame in the microwave if I removed the glass bottom and cooked diced green bell peppers. All I had to do to get another was open the door to ventilate, close, and start again... great fun on a slow monday. 

Half of all home fires involving microwave ovens were first ignited by the food catching fire.  Make sure the inside is clean. 

The Oven

The black spots in the oven are congealed oils - and can be flammable in high concentration. Have you cleaned your oven lately?

The Refrigerator 

Your refrigerator's life and efficiency are dependent on the ability to breathe clearly. Take a few minutes to clean the coil, clean under the fridge, and  clean the dust off the wall behind it.

When you're done, I'd recommend making notes in a small notebook or computer file, after cleaning these items a couple times, you'll have a better idea how often they should be cleaned in your house. (I'd recommend at least once a year.)

Until next week's 15-Minute Check-up, enjoy your day off!

~ Jon

"A shot of prevention is better than a venti of cure." 

The Fine Print: Because of the general nature of this advice and the individual application thereof, neither the Merriam Agency nor Jon Barron assume any responsibility for any loss, cost, damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result of the use of this information or your own foolishness.