CANDLE SAFETY

Candles are popular decorative items in homes.  Each year, candle misuse causes approximately 23,600 residential fires in the United States, resulting in $390 million in damage.

FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO PREVENT A FIRE FROM STARTING IN YOUR HOME:

• Always keep burning candles within sight.
• Extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.  Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily.
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Light candles carefully.  Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down-put it out before it gets close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage.  Never use candles.

BUILT-IN SAFETY

Make sure your home has these safety features to help keep you safe.

SMOKE ALARMS

• All homes should be equipped with working smoke alarms.
• There should be at least one on every level of the home.
• Battery powered smoke alarms should be tested every month and batteries changed at least once a year.
• If you live in an apartment, it is your responsibility to maintain your smoke alarms, while your landlord is responsible for providing working smoke alarms when you move in.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

• Properly operated fire extinguishers can help stop a small fire before it grows out of control.
• Home fire extinguishers can be purchased at hardware or home improvement stores.

EVACUATION PLAN

Every family should develop and practice a home escape plan that includes every member of the household.

DID YOU KNOW?

• December is the peak month for home candle fires.
• More than one-third of home candle fires started in the bedroom.
• Three of every five candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle.