Candle Safety Tips to Avoid Holiday Mayhem

11/29/2019 (Permalink)

A clear glass hurricane candle holder with a red candle and holly berry wreath serves as a holiday centerpiece.

Did you know the top 3 days for home candle fires are New Year’s Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve?

As enjoyable as it is to decorate during the holiday season, utilizing candles to add more seasonal flare throughout your home or for ceremonial/religious practices could potentially put your home at a higher risk for a fire.

From a statistical standpoint, on average, 23 home candle fires are reported each day. What’s even more alarming is from 2012-2016, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 8,200 home structure fires that were started by candles per year. These fires caused 770 injuries and $264 million in direct property damage.

There are a variety of ways to avoid becoming one of those startling statistics.

The following are helpful tips on how to avoid a fire mishap from happening in your residence.

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 1 foot (30 centimeters) away from anything that can burn.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles. 
• If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.
• Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don’t burn a candle down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

When it comes to candles, never under any circumstances, 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. Their curious little minds tend to be attracted to the colorful flames. Supervision is vital for them not to burn themselves or to cause an unexpected fire hazard in your home.

Decking the halls should be fun, but always remember to exercise more caution when using candles.

The team at SERVPRO of West Brown County knows all about the aftermath resulting from accidental fires. That is why you need to know the place your family calls home is in great hands when we get involved in the restoration process.

As a locally owned and operated business, we are strategically located to respond quickly to your smoke or fire damage event. If you have any questions about our services or need immediate assistance, call us today at (920) 434-8224.