Like anyone else... I like the idea of a candlelit dinner, a romantic setting in a restaurant, or the fickering glow of a scented candle in a powder room that might otherwise not smell so great.
But with the ambiance comes the reality that according to the US Fire Administration, on average 42 home candle fires are reported every day. Yes, every day.
"More than half those fires start when something that could burn, (furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains or decorations) are too close to the candle".
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Scary yet obvious... candles,no matter how beautiful in look or smell, are open fires that while controlled may tip or be bumped at any time.
The US Fire Administration warns:
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20% of those fires are when the candle is unattended or abandoned.
36% begin in the bedroom.
Falling asleep is a factor in 12% of the cases and 36% of associated deaths.
December is the most dangerous month, in December 13% of candle fires begin with decorations.
50% of home candle fires begin between midnight and 6 am.
Young cildren & older adults run the greatest risk of death from candle fires.
And not surprisingly, the risk increases when candles are used for light.
It's important that adults teach candle awareness and safety to children. And we must be very careful having any open burning around our pets.
Curious pets rarely understand the danger of candles and may knock them over hurting themselves or creating a chain reaction with deadly end results.
The Fire Administration recommends several key points:
Avoid using lighted candles... but if you do , make sure they are in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders and placed in safe locations where they cannot be easily knocked over.
Keep candles out of reach of kids and pets.
Never place candles on Christmas trees, plant decorations or close to combustibles.
Always extinguish candles before going to bed.
Teach children by example to never play with matches, lighters or candles.
And don't leave candles unattended.
Remember fire prevention and safe concepts are learned. Teaching your family the importance of fire safety and explaining what to do in an emergency are life skills that may not be fully understood.
Influence each member to get out of the home quickly to a designated safe spot outside. Stay low in smoky situations and do not return into the home for possessions.
Call 911 to get help coming.
One other consideration they raised, was to make sure your family knows at least two ways to escape from every room in your home... and that having multiple smoke alarms can greatly increase your chances of surviving a fire.
