CANDLE SAFETY
Many people enjoy burning candles in their homes. In fact, the National Candle Association indicates that 7 out of 10 homes in the US have candles. People have safely enjoyed using candles for centuries. However, if certain precautions are not taken by the consumer, candles can also become a factor in a chain of events that can result in unnecessary injury and even death.
Candle statistics:
According to the National Fire Protection Agency , from 2006-2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 11,640 home structure fires that were started by candles.
These fires caused 126 deaths, 953 injuries and $438 million in direct property damage. Candles caused 3% of reported home fires, 5% of home fire deaths, 7% of home fire injuries, and 6% of the direct property damage from home fires in 2010.
Also from the NFPA, facts and figures during the five-year period of 2006-2010: Roughly one-third (35%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 42% of the associated deaths and 45% of the associated injuries. On average, 32 home candle fires were reported per day. Falling asleep was a factor in 11% percent of the home candle fires and 43% of the associated deaths. More than half (56%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle. December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 11% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.
The following simple candle safety tips are important when using candles:
NEVER leave a burning candle unattended.
NEVER place a burning candle near something that can catch fire.
KEEP BURNING CANDLES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS.
Additional Candle Safety Tips:
Keep candles away from drafts and vents
Trim wicks to ¼""prior to each use. Normally don’t burn candles more than four hours at a time
Extinguish taper or pillar candles when they get within 2""of their holders.
Always use containers that have been made for candle usage.
Discontinue use of a container candle when ½ inch of wax remains.
Keep matches, wick trimmings and foreign objects out of the candle wax.