Summer Appliance Safety: Preventing Hazards and Accidents

How to Use Appliances Safely When Cooking Indoors and Out

From pool parties to family reunions, summer is a great time to cook at home, whether you plan on grilling an entire rack of meat or whipping up a batch of your signature dip. But using your appliances can also be a fire hazard when it’s hot outside, especially if you have small children and pets roaming around the house. So, what can you do to keep your guests and loved ones safe this season? Use our appliance safety tips to minimize your risk.

Powering Your Appliances

If you are using electrical appliances to heat your food, be cautious when looking for a power source. Avoid using extension cords to power large appliances, such as your electric oven or stove. Avoid overloading your electric system or outlet by using less than the maximum voltage. If you are using your electric appliances outside, use an outdoor extension cord to reduce your risk of fire. Indoor extension cords are not meant to be used outdoors. Keep the cords away from hot or wet surfaces.

Keep Them Dry

Cooking near or around the pool? Make sure you are completely dry before attempting to use your appliances. Tell anyone using the pool to stay out of the kitchen to keep the floor dry. Watch out for wet spots and drips that can lead to slips and falls. Keep appliances away from the splash zone, including sprinklers and wet towels.

Let the Appliance Cool

The surface of the grill or stove will stay hot for several minutes or more after you’re finished cooking. Do your best to let the appliance cool as fast as possible by increasing the air flow. You can set up a fan or open a window if cooking indoors or store the appliance in the shade when cooking outside. Maintain a safe distance from the hot surface until it is at room temperature.

Maintain a Safe Distance

The cook should be the only person near the appliance while it’s in use. Install barriers to keep kids and pets away from hot surfaces. Keep power lines and other electrical sources in secure areas where they won’t be in the way.

Repair Your Appliances

Appliances that get too hot during the summer have been known to combust or even explode. Faulty gas connections and improper usage can also lead to unexpected accidents and injury. That’s why it’s best to have your cooking appliances inspected by a professional before the height of summer. They will make sure the machine has been properly installed and well maintained, so you can focus on having fun with your friends and family. They will also inspect the area around your stove or oven and point out any hazards that could put you at risk.

Entertaining is so much less stressful when your appliances are in working order. Contact Absolute Appliance Repair in San Francisco to schedule a tune-up today!