Candle Fire Safety
Candle fires are on the rise. While other causes for home fires have decreased, the percentage caused by candles has tripled in the past ten years.
These candle fires were preventable!
How does a little flame become so dangerous?
More than 33% of candle fires occured when the candles were left unattended or abandoned. Roughly 25% of the fires occured because something combustible such as curtains or paper was too close to the flame. Half the people killed by candle fires in the home were younger than 20, with most of the victims between the ages of 5 and 9.
Candle Safety Check List
- If you burn candles for decorative or ritual purposes, make your home safer:
- use candles with flame protective noncombustible shades or globes.
- use a sturdy metal, glass or ceramic candle holder.
- avoid the use of candles with embedded combustible decorative items.
- place candles at least 4 feet away from curtains, draperies, decorations, blinds and bedding.
- place candles out of reach of small children and pets.
- refrain from using decorative/floral candle rings.
- extinguish candles before leaving the room.
- extinguish candles when they burn within two inches of the holder.
- never leave burning candles unattended.
Candles should always be placed out reach of children and don’t allow teens to have candles in their bedrooms.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, DO NOT USE CANDLES TO LIGHT YOUR HOME.
One-third of the people killed in candle fires were using them for light due to no power.
- Be prepared by having flashlights and batteries available in your home.
- Have the flashlights accessible in the kitchen and bedroom.
- You should also carry a flashlight in your car and a small light on your person.
