Issue date: 8/17/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Steve Berry

After a long night of cramming for final exams, you finally lie down to catch some much-needed sleep. Just as you start to drift off, a gut-wrenching shriek blares from the corner of your room. Bleary-eyed, and probably a bit angry, you exit the residence hall.

For the next hour, you stand outside - in the rain - and wait impatiently as your precious minutes of sleep dwindle away. As it turns out, the fire alarm was set off because of a bag of popcorn left in a microwave too long. Frustrated and exhausted, you return to your room to try to get some sleep.

Assistant director for Residential Education Lisa Israel said improper microwave use was the cause for many alarms in Prairie Hall last year.

"Most of our fire alarms were due to microwave usage," Israel, the former hall director for Prairie Hall, said. "I'd say at least half a dozen."

Although Housing Director Michael Schultz said many microwave incidents are because of popcorn being heated too long, items ranging from food to baseballs have set off smoke alarms.

"We had some interesting ways people were using the microwave," Schultz said.

Through responsible use of microwaves and other appliances, students can cook food without jeopardizing the safety of themselves or others.

"If they use them for what they're intended for and follow the cooking instructions, that'd be a big help," Schultz said.



Cooking Tips

When heating large cuts of meat, use medium power in order for the item to be cooked safely and evenly. Ensure that meat is cooked thoroughly by checking the internal temperature. (A list of suggested temperatures and other hints is available at www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Cooking_

Safely_in_the_Microwave/index.asp)

Cover dishes to retain moisture and keep the inside of the microwave clean. Leave lids or other covers cracked or slightly askew to prevent explosions.

Stir and rotate foods mid-way through cooking in order to promote even heating and prevent bacteria growth.

When working with frozen foods, cook items immediately after defrosting. Do not allow food to sit out between defrosting and cooking.

Eating leftovers? Cook until the food is steaming and allow a minute or two for it to cool before eating.

Continued...

Page 1 of 3 next >

Article Tools