Steps to prevent Candle Fires in your Riverside Home

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.

There is something calming about candles especially during the holiday season.  They look pretty and enhance the ambiance in a room, they give off a fragrant smell that can be so luring, but they can also be the cause to a house fire.   

December has been noted as the peak month of candle fires.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of every 5 candle fires started when they were placed near something that can burn, such as furniture, bedding, or decorations. 

From  2014-2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 7,610  home structure fires that were started by candles per year. These fires caused an annual average of 81 deaths, 677  injuries and $278 million in direct property damage. NFPA Home Candle Fires Report

Review the tips below from NFPA to prevent house fires this holiday season:

DO pay attention to proximity. It’s important to make sure that you’re not burning a candle on or near anything that could catch fire. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, or any other flammable objects. Place burning candles at least 3 inches apart from one another so they don’t melt one another or burn improperly.

DON’T leave burning candles unattended. Try to restrict people and candles to one room in the house so the location of family members can always be accounted for and you can keep an eye on open flames. Extinguish all candles before going to bed or leaving a room.

DO place candles on a fire-resistant surface. Place a handle in its holder on a stable, nonflammable surface, such as a metal cookie sheet, frying pan or ceramic plate.

DON’T light a candle if you smell gas. If you smell gas inside or outside your home, immediately put out all open flames, shut off your gas supply, leave the area, get to a safe place, and call 911.

DO use pillar or container candles. Broader-based candles are a suitable option for power outages, as these are less likely to be accidentally knocked over. When possible, candles should be enclosed within glass hurricane holders or globes.

DON’T use candles as a search guide or night light. Avoid walking around with a candle. Dark rooms can increase the chance of tripping or brushing against a flammable item. Use a flashlight instead.

DO keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Place candles up high to avoid the risk of pets, children, or adults accidentally bumping candles over in the dark.

DO Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame

DON'T let the candle burn all the way to the bottom; put it out before it gets too close to the container or holder

DON'T light a candle if oxygen is used in the home.  Oxygen canisters should be kept at least five to 10 feet away from any open flame, which can be anything from a fire in a fireplace to a gas or a candle.

DO use a flashlight or battery-operated lighting instead of a candle during a power outage.

Candles and Kids

Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.

• Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
• Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach, in a locked cabinet.

Although candles can add to the décor in the room, however, they can also add danger.  Remember candles are an open flame which means they can easily ignite.  Create an environment that is safe for you during this holiday season, use alternatives to prevent any candle fires in homes like using flameless candles. 

Here are some additional tips to prevent fires during the holiday season from Ready.Gov:

• Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not flammable.
• Check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear.
• Don’t link more than three strands of holiday lights.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
• Keep your live Christmas tree away from heat sources and room exits.
• Water your live Christmas tree daily to keep it from becoming dry.

As always, remember SERVPRO of West Riverside City is here to help! 

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