With windy and snowy conditions outside, the welcoming environment of a room lit by candles is a wonderful way to enjoy a winter evening. However, candles do represent a significant fire danger if they’re not used properly and with safety awareness. A report in 2012 from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests that there were over 11,600 fires started by candles from 2006 to 2010. Incredibly, these fires caused around 126 deaths every single year.
No family wants to experience the tragedy of an accidental fire, so it is important to use candles properly. Just because a candle looks small and non-threatening, doesn’t mean that it’s harmless. The NFPA suggests that holidays like New Year’s Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day usually see a boost in the number of fires that occur. Knowledge of conditions that may make it likely that a candle fire may start is the best way to improving safety and security in Boise.
Bedroom Fires
A large number of candle fires begin because the homeowner falls asleep and fails to notice that there’s a candle burning nearby. It’s not uncommon to have candles burning in the bedroom for ambience and holiday scents, but burning those candles overnight represents a true danger and reduces safety and security in the home. It’s best to extinguish candles before everyone retires so that a flame isn’t accidentally left to burn overnight.
Kids and Candles
Some candle fires result from children playing with candles in dangerous ways, such as holding them near flammable objects. Candles are best kept out of children’s rooms at all times and should never be burned in a spot where a child can reach the candle or the flame.
Forgetting About Candles
Falling asleep while a candle burns is a common way to end up with a house fire, but so is leaving a candle alone in a room. Despite a homeowner’s careful placement of a candle away from flammable objects and on a sturdy pedestal, a small spark into a giant flame. Smoke alarms from the home security system can alert the residents of a fire just a few minutes before a home might be inundated with smoke.
Safe Burning Habits
The National Candle Association provides some important guidelines for proper candle usage in the home. One guideline that most people aren’t aware of is that candle wicks should be trimmed to about a quarter-inch before the candle is lit. Wicks that are too long can create a flame that’s too large as well as uneven burning of the candle. In addition, the National Candle Association suggests that the area around the candle is kept free of dripping wax, debris, and anything flammable.
Protect your family with smoke detectors when candles are used; however, responsible homeowners must remember that fire is an unpredictable element and cannot be trusted to behave. Ensure the safety and security of the family by keeping a close eye on all candles and using smart techniques to light and beautify the home.
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