Candle and Fire Safety at Home

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Being safe with candles in your Staten Island home, and why-

The facts about candles:

• 38% of home fires caused by candles start in bedrooms and cause 35% of fire related deaths. 
• More than half of all candle home fires start because the candle was too close to an incognito source like a: mattresses, bedding, curtains, cabinetry, or furniture. 
• 12% of home candle fires the occupants were asleep, and 25% of these cases were associated deaths and injuries.
• Unsupervised children are involved in 20% of home candle fires. 
• Having a working smoke alarm reduces one’s chances of dying in a fire by nearly half.

Tips to prevent disaster-

• Remember that lit candles are fire. 
• Keep them at least 12 inches from anything that can become an ignition source
• Never leave the house, or go to sleep before blowing out all lit candles.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily. 
• Using candle holders that are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax is also a smart idea.
• Place candles where they cannot be touched by pets or children.
• During an emergency, opt for flashlights instead of candles as a light source.
• Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle. Additionally, keep all other fire sources out of reach of children.
• Keep all lit candles and any other open flames away from flammable liquids.