Candles

NFPA Safety Tips

	Blow out 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.
	Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
	Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.
	See all safety tips

AUDIO
Lorraine Carli, NFPA Vice President of Communications, talks about candle safety:

Candle safety tips

During 2005, an estimated 15,600 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 150 civilian deaths, 1,270 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $539 million. Homes include dwellings, duplexes, manufactured housing and apartments.

Facts and figures

Although home candle fires fell 8% from 2004 to 2005, more than twice as many were reported in 2005 as in 1990.
Candle fires accounted for an estimated 4% of all reported home fires in 2005.
Thirty-eight percent (38%) of home candle fires started in the bedroom, resulting in 41% of the associated civilian deaths.

Candle safety tips

Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of home fires — and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.

Safety tips

Candle with care

Blow out 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.
Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

If you do burn candles, make sure that you...

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 too 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.

Last Updated on Saturday, 07 November 2009 23:22