Martha Stewart
05.02.10
Martha Stewart: Living Consider safety when microwaving, using plastics
It's well worth learning more about some of the products we take for granted, such as the things we use every day to prepare, cook and store our food. Here are some commonsense answers to questions about the most common household goods.
Microwaving
It's amazing how much we've come to rely on microwave ovens. Yet a vague distrust remains regarding how they work and what they do to the food cooked in them. Microwave ovens do leak radiation, but at very low levels that the FDA and most scientists believe are harmless. There are a few simple guidelines to make microwave use safer.
Careful: Ovens with damaged doors and latches can leak more radiation than normal, so make sure your appliance is in good condition. If using plastic containers, cook only with those labeled "microwave-safe." Do not cover containers in the microwave with cling-type wrap, which is made of polyvinyl chloride; use unbleached paper towels instead.
Source: The Detroit News
Georgetown fire chief warns about wintertime dangers
05.02.10
Fire Chief Al Beardsley was the guest speaker at the Men’s Breakfast sponsored by the Georgetown Council on Aging last month. Beardsley spoke about winter fire safety to a group of a dozen men at the Trestle Way Community Room over breakfast on Jan. 7.
The monthly events are in partnership with the Georgetown Housing Authority and are sponsored by Crosby’s Markets .
“Unfortunately with winter comes a lot of safety concerns,” Beardsley told the crowd.
The elderly need to be careful because of winter weather to watch out for slipping and falling on snow and ice. Especially when the weather is bad, “if you have to get out [of your home or apartment] call for a ride, or reschedule the appointment to a better time,” Beardsley suggested.
He also asked any residents who cannot get outside to clean the area around a hydrant from snow to call the Fire Department for assistance.
Beardsley cited a report released by the State Fire Marshall’s Office last month that reports there was a 20 percent decrease in fire-related deaths in 2008 from the previous year.
Source: Georgetown Record