Your oven is the heart of many a warm meal. Yet the smart cook remembers that with great roasting power comes great responsibility! Here are some tips to ensure you use your oven safely, as well as what to do in case of kitchen emergencies. With caution and attentiveness you can keep the winter season cheerful.

Stay Vigilant While Cooking

The aroma of baking cookies or a roasting turkey is hard to resist, but never let it lure your guests into the kitchen for too long. Limiting the number of people in the kitchen while cooking cuts down on collisions and accidents. On the other hand, unattended cooking is a leading cause of kitchen fires. If you need to step away, turn off a range or stovetop to prevent mishaps. Double-check the status of your oven or stove, to make sure it’s still set at your desired temperature. Use alarms to monitor cooking times and thereby avoid burning baked, roasted, or broiled items.

Avoid Grease Fires

Leftover food and grease don’t just affect taste; they’re potential fire starters. Keep your oven clean, including the door seals, to avoid any build-up that could ignite with heat. Many ovens come with a self-cleaning option to expedite the process. Learn to use it whenever necessary. When spills happen, address them promptly once the oven is cool.

If you encounter a grease fire, never reach for water. Instead, turn off the heat and smother the flames with a metal lid or baking soda. Water can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire. And don’t confuse baking soda with flour. Flour particles can explode and worsen the situation. Fire extinguishers are always a good last ditch solution, but a fire blanket leaves your kitchen clean. Make sure to have one handy in your kitchen.

Safe Cookware is Key

Using the right cookware isn’t just about food presentation; it’s about safety. It’s important to use pots, pans, sheets, inserts, liners, or containers that are fully functional and designed for high heat. And remember, an empty oven is not a good place to store things! In the chaos of preparing a meal, a person might begin the preheat sequence before inspecting the inside of the oven.

Use Your Oven Correctly

The oven’s purpose is to cook your food. At times, some individuals are tempted to use their oven to heat the home, dry clothes, remove decals, substitute for a fireplace, or other such ideas. Misusing your appliance can lead to damage or danger. Every oven comes with its own set of rules. Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation, and ensure your oven is installed correctly to prevent any malfunctions. Should your oven show signs of a malfunction, such as overheating, noise, or a door that won’t close properly, stop using it. Contact Sacramento’s River City Appliance so that we can help you identify and resolve the issue. Using a faulty oven can pose serious risks.

Handling Oven Emergencies

Despite all precautions, emergencies can happen. For all fires that are not put out immediately, call 911. Otherwise, here’s what to do:

• In the event of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. If the fire doesn’t die out, or if it escalates, evacuate immediately and dial 911.
• For a fire in a microwave, leave the door closed. Do not attempt to remove anything burning inside and keep your distance. Once the flames die out, use protective equipment when inspecting the appliance.
• For burned skin, run cool water over the area and seek medical help for serious burns.
• In the case that you smell gas or suspect a leak, do not attempt to light the oven. Evacuate and call emergency services or your gas provider.

At River City Appliance, your safety is our priority. We want to ensure that your oven isn’t just a tool for delicious meals, but also a safe addition to your family’s home. If you’re faced with a malfunction or need guidance on safe usage, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our expert technicians are on standby to help you keep cooking with joy!