04 Jun Oven and Stove Safety 101: Preventing Fires and Accidents

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, but it’s also where most house fires start. Cooking mishaps spark thousands of house fires across Canada each year. The culprit? Often, it’s our trusty stoves and ovens.

You can protect your loved ones and your home from potential danger with a few simple precautions. 

But before we dive in, remember that prevention is key. Regular maintenance checks by qualified technicians can catch potential problems before they become dangerous or costly malfunctions. 

Follow these oven and stove safety tips to transform your kitchen into a worry-free zone.

Stovetop Safety

Your stovetop is the heart of your kitchen, but it can also be a source of danger if not used carefully. Here’s how to keep things safe:

Stay Focused

Your full attention is your stove’s best friend. Even a moment’s distraction can turn a simmer into a sizzle and quickly escalate to a full-blown fire.

Clear the Zone

Imagine an invisible three-foot radius around your stovetop – that’s the danger zone. Keep dish towels, oven mitts, curtains, paper towels, food packaging, and anything else flammable far outside this zone. A dangling sleeve or stray paper towel can ignite in seconds.

Tuck it In

Turn the pot handles inward, away from the edge of the stove. This simple step prevents accidental bumps from sending hot food flying and keeps curious little hands from reaching up and pulling pots down.

Wipe it Up

Spills happen, but don’t let them linger. Clean up any grease or food spills immediately to prevent them from igniting.

Gas Check

If you have a gas stove, ensure the flames are blue. A yellow or orange flame could signal a problem that needs professional attention.

If you have young children in your home, consider adding safety knobs to your stove or installing a stove guard to prevent little hands from reaching the burners.

Oven Safety

Your oven might seem like a handy storage spot, but it’s a fire hazard waiting to happen. Here’s how to use your oven safely:

No Storage

Your oven is for cooking, not storing pots, pans, or other items. Keep it clear to prevent anything from catching fire.

Clean Machine

Grease is a fire’s best friend, so don’t let it accumulate in your oven. Regular cleaning, including wiping down the interior and removing spills promptly, will significantly reduce the risk of a grease fire.

Protect Your Hands

Always use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot dishes. Burns are painful and easily avoidable.

Power Up Safely

Don’t overload the electrical outlet that your oven is plugged into. Too many appliances can cause a dangerous surge.

Related Article: Oven Repair: DIY vs. Professional Technician

Self-Clean with Care

If your oven has a self-cleaning feature, read the instructions carefully and follow them to the letter. The high heat of the cycle can sometimes cause problems, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. 

If you’re unsure, call Perfect Appliance for professional guidance.

General Appliance Safety

Your kitchen appliances make life easier, but they need your care to stay safe and efficient:

Power Down

Unplug small appliances like toasters and coffee makers when they’re not in use. Not only does this save energy, but it also eliminates the risk of electrical fires.

Check the Lines

Regularly inspect appliance cords for any signs of damage, such as fraying, cuts, or exposed wires. Replace damaged cords immediately.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

If an appliance has a frayed cord, makes strange noises, or doesn’t seem right, stop using it and call technicians immediately. Don’t risk it!

Stay on Top of Maintenance

Like your car, your appliances need regular checkups to run smoothly and safely. Schedule maintenance for your stove, oven, and other major appliances with licensed experts. They can spot potential issues before they become major problems.

What to Do in Case of Emergency

Emergencies happen, but being prepared can make all the difference.

Gas Leak: If you smell gas, don’t hesitate. Turn off the gas supply, leave the house immediately, and call for help from a safe location.

Fire! Call the fire department immediately in the event of a kitchen fire. Don’t try to fight the fire yourself unless it’s very small and contained.

Be Prepared: Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach in your kitchen. Ensure everyone in the house knows where it is and how to use it.

When to Call for Professional Help

Don’t let appliance troubles simmer! Addressing issues promptly is crucial for both safety and efficiency. Whether it’s a flickering burner or a fridge on the fritz, trust the experts at Perfect Appliance. 

Our skilled technicians are available around the clock to diagnose and repair any appliance issue. But why wait for a breakdown?

Regular maintenance checks by qualified technicians can catch potential problems before they become dangerous or costly malfunctions.

Don’t risk it – keep your kitchen running smoothly and safely. Contact Perfect Appliance today for all your repair and maintenance needs.