December 15, 2005
Candle Safety
“Blow out before you go out”
If you light candles at Christmastime, be sure to follow these safety guidelines...
It is very important to remember that a candle is an open flame. It can easily ignite any combustible material nearby.
The National Fire Protection Association came out with some startling statistics.
- During 2002, candles started an estimated 18,000 home fires. These fires killed 130 people, caused 1,350 injuries and resulted in a property loss of 333 million dollars!
- Candle fires accounted for an estimated 5 percent of all reported home fires.
- 40 percent of home candle fires started in the bedroom, causing 30 percent of the fire deaths.
- Reported home candle fires have more than tripled since the low of 5,500 in 1990.
- December had almost twice the number of home candle fires of an average month.
- 50 percent of home candle fires occurred when combustible material was left near or came too close to the candle.18 percent started after the candles were unattended or abandoned. 5 percent were started by people (mostly children) playing with the candle.
- Falling asleep was a factor in 12 percent of home candle fires and 25 percent of the home candle fire deaths.
- Christmas Day was the peak day of the year for home candle deaths for 1999 -2002. New Years Day and Christmas Eve tied for second.
Safety Tips
These are important things to remember!
- Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Keep candles away from items that can catch fire, like clothing, books and curtains.
- Use candleholders that are sturdy, will not tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
- Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
- Keep candlewicks trimmed to one half inch long and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get within two inches of the holder.
- During power outages avoid carrying a lit candle. Use flashlights.
NEVER EVER LET CHILDREN PLAY WITH CANDLES OR ANY KIND OF FIRE!