Safe-T-Element

The statistics of stovetop fires are staggering and paints a grim picture.  Ontario averages more than 6,000 preventable home fires annually and the majority of these fires start in the kitchen.  68% of all home cooking fires involve stove-tops, and unattended cooking accounts for 69% of these fires.  Multi-unit residences are at the highest risk, where over 43% of all stove-top fires occur.

AM800 Radio Interview with Rusty Thompson
During the holidays I became a local celebrity in the Windsor/Sarnia area when I was interviewed on AM800 about stovetop fires and stovetop safety. Rusty Thompson of AM800 radio reached me in my hotel room as I was travelling to visit my in-laws – so I was in a festive mood! Rusty was well-prepared and introduced the subject well. He referred our work with the Electrical Safety Authority, how our goals in terms of fire safety aligned with them and also with the Ontario Fire Marshal to educate social housing tenants about safe practices, and recommended stove-top fire prevention products such as the Safe-T-Element, which has been endorsed by fire marshals across North America.

I echoed the words of Social Housing Services Corporation CEO, Lindsey Reed, who pointed out that “Something as simple as turning away from the stove to answer the phone or offer your guest a drink can distract you long enough for a fire to start. By following the basic rules of fire prevention and installing fire prevention products, everyone can go a long way to avoiding stove-top fires and protecting themselves and their loved ones.”

I provided a personal story about how I had (accidentally) put a tea towel onto the stovetop, which was still hot – we can all learn some simple rules, I told Rusty.  I ended my interview by giving some simple tips to help prevent fires including:
•    Making sure stove tops and nearby counters are kept clear and uncluttered
•    Keeping curtains, utensils, paper towels and other things that can burn away from the stove
•    Ensuring pot handles are turned inward so they can’t be bumped

If you are interested in stovetop Safe-T-Elements, they are available through the SHSC’s Appliance Bulk Buy Program.