I seldom use the oven. Probably only a dozen times in the 3 years I have lived here. I grill, even for most big parties. But I would not be concerned about turning on the oven while I was gone.

I have used the crock pot many times during the winter, but I always put it on the cooktop burners when I leave the house. I have friends who put the crock pot in the sink when they leave home.