Readington Township - Fire Prevention Newsletter

Fire Prevention Newsletter

The theme for Fire Prevention Week 2005 was “Use Candles with Care…When you go out blow out”. Here are some relative facts and recommendations critical for fire safety…

Statistical flare-up:

Between 1993 and 1997, candles caused an annual average of 8,690 home fires, responsible for averages of 104 civilian deaths, 948 injuries, and $126 million in property damage each year. Alarmingly, the latest statistics show that candle fires are on the rise with 9,930 reported in 1996 and 11,600 in 1997, the highest total in the 18 years for which statistics are available.

Reducing the Risk:

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish all candles when you leave the room.
Fire experts discourage the use of candles in bedrooms, where almost half of all home candle fires start. If you must burn candles in the bedroom, keep them away from bedding, curtains and blinds, wallpaper, upholstered furniture, piles of clothing, and newspapers and magazines, and monitor them carefully.
Keep candles at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
Keep candles away from flammable liquids.
Don’t place lit candles in windows or near doorways, where drafts could bring combustibles in contact with the flame.
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to be

Safe Candle Use:

Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over easily, are made from a material that can’t burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
Place candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface away from edges and any place where they could be knocked over by children or pets.
Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and loose clothing away from the flame.
Keep candle wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch.
Extinguish candles when they burn down to within 2 inches of their holder or any decorative material.
Extinguish candles carefully using a long handled candle snuffer or a soft, directed breath. Do not leave the room until wicks have stopped glowing

Candles and children:

Just less than 10% of home candle fires are started by children playing.
Don’t let children play with candles or dripping wax or with combustible materials near candles.
Never leave a child unattended in a room with a burning candle.
Don’t allow children or teens to burn candles in their bedrooms.
Store candles, matches, and lighters up high and out of children’s sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet

Candles and holidays:

During December, more candle fires start in living rooms, dens, dining rooms, and kitchens than during the other 11 months combined.
Keep candles away from natural and artificial Christmas trees.
Keep candles away from all holiday decorations.
Place burning candles where they can’t be bumped or brushed against.
Arrange table candles safely away from flammable centerpieces and hanging decorations

During power outages:

Avoid using candles for emergency lighting.
If you electrical service goes out, use flashlights and battery powered lamps when possible.
Don’t carry lit candles.
Don’t use a candle for light when adding kerosene or any flammable fuel to a heater, lantern, or other device. The flame could ignite the fumes.
Extinguish all candles when you leave the home or go to sleep.
Do not leave young children unattended in a room with a candle

Enjoy the holidays…be safe not sorry. Educate your family of the risks and dangers when handling fire. Don’t assume that safety is always their first and most important priority. Remember smoke detectors save life’s…test yours today.