Recognizing the dangers behind candle usage and knowing how to use them safely can help prevent a fire emergency. Keep reading to discover how to handle candles with care.
Candles are an ideal way to add ambiance to any environment. Not only do they liven a room, but their scents make a room warm and inviting. Luckily, candle fires only make up a small percentage of the cause behind residential fires. However, if not handled with care, utilizing candles can lead to a fire emergency. Recognizing the dangers behind candle usage and knowing how to use them safely can help prevent a fire emergency. Keep reading to discover how to handle candles with care.
How Common are Candle Fires?
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) reports that candles cause only 2% of residential fires. Kitchen fires or heater related incidents tend to be more destructive. Still, people lose their lives by improperly handling candles. Candle fires typically occur in the bedroom or are a result of someone falling asleep without blowing out the candle. When a person places a candle near flammable material, this can also lead to a fire emergency. These combustible materials include bedding, curtains, clothing, or paper products.
Candle fires are also prone to happen during holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
How to Prevent Candle Fires
Candles remain ideal, so it isn’t hard to walk off or forget about them. They can grow out of control if you don’t take precautions. Here are a few tips:
- Place candles in areas where children or pets can’t knock them over
- Before going to bed, blow out your candles.
- Blow out the candle if you’re no longer in the room.
- Blow out a candle if it burns within two inches of its holder
- Keep candles away from any decorations or combustible materials and flammable liquids
- Sit far away from open flames so that your clothes don’t catch fire
- If your home has a compressed air tank, never place a candle near it
What You Should Do if You Have a Power Outage
Burning a candle is not ideal, even during a power outage. Battery-powered flashlights are always the way to go. If you have to use a candle, make sure not to walk and hold it at the same time. Pay close attention to your children. Also, never use them to check the pilot lights of gas appliances when you need to fuel equipment.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience in designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480 or contact us online. For more fire safety tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.