Five cooking safety tips from St. George campus’s fire prevention manager
Kitchen fires are the leading cause of residential fires. Following these safety tips from the fire prevention team can better ensure the safety of the University of Toronto community.
Fire Prevention Week is an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness about the causes of fires and ways to eliminate them—in the workplace and at home.
This year, Fire Prevention Week takes place from October 8 to October 14 and spotlights kitchen safety.
Denise Rose, manager of fire prevention services on the St. George campus, emphasizes the significance of this year’s theme. With over 800 kitchens on campus, it’s crucial to recognize that kitchen fires continue to be the leading cause of household fires and injuries.
“Education is the key,” says Rose of fire safety. She explains that the skills learned by students and staff can be shared with their families and friends to better ensure safer homes and prevent damage and losses being incurred from kitchen fires.
Rose provides a set of essential fire prevention tips that are beneficial for everyone, including students living in campus accommodations:
1. Do not leave the stove unattended
Prevent one of the leading causes of kitchen fires by never leaving a stove, oven, air fryer, or pressure cooker unattended while cooking.
Always supervise the space while these appliances are turned on to minimize the risk of a kitchen fire. Remember that cooking elements can still be hot (and dangerous) after they have been turned off!
2. Be cautious when cooking with oil
Using a substantial amount of oil while cooking increases the chances of a kitchen fire. This heightened risk is due to oil’s quick-heating properties, which could lead to the pot catching fire.
Rose suggests heating the oil gradually and gently placing the food into the pot to prevent splattering. Always lower the stovetop temperature once the oil has reached its boiling point. Smoke is a danger sign that the pot needs to be taken off the heat because the oil is too hot.
3. Keep your stove top clutter-free
Storing items on stovetops while cooking is a common fire hazard. Keep stovetops free of loose objects such as towels, oven mitts, and rags.
Especially, avoid storing electrical cords near the stove to prevent electrical fires.
4. Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking
Loose clothing can easily catch fire if it meets cooking elements.
Refrain from wearing loose clothing—such as scarves, robes, and tops with baggy sleeves—when using the stovetop or oven.
5. Only use CSA or ULC-approved appliances
Appliances that receive approval from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) are guaranteed to have met safety standards, which significantly lowers the risk of fire hazards. Appliances that lack CSA or ULC approval pose a higher risk due to their differing electrical components and their failure to meet safety regulations.
Look for the CSA or ULC logo on your electrical appliances to ensure they are tested and approved for use in Canada.
By following these essential fire safety tips, we can collectively decrease the chances of fires, safeguard ourselves, and establish a safer environment for everyone.
From October 8–14, the University of Toronto will organize various activities related to fire safety, including pop-up information booths in the lobby at Sidney Smith Hall (Oct. 10 from 1:30 PM–3:30 PM) and in the Medical Sciences Building – David Naylor Student Commons, MSB 2171 (Oct. 12 from 10 AM–12 PM). All U of T community members are invited.
For more information on fire prevention at the University of Toronto, visit the fire prevention services section on the Facilities & Services website.