Aug 01, 2009 05:34 PM
Candles Can Be Deadly!
More that 15,000 home fires are caused each year by the inappropriate or sometimes careless use of candles. My wife absolutely loves candles and a day does not go by without burning 3 to 4 in our home. It is a challenge to keep them in sight as we burn them in two or three areas. So we do not have to be afraid of candles but we must respect them.
Most candle fires start in the bedroom 38%, living room 15%, bathrooms 14% and kitchen 8%.
Items ignited are the:
Mattress or bedding
Curtains/Blinds/Draperies
Cabinets
As a Life Safety expert my findings show that the US Consumer Safety Commission suggests that 85% of candle fires could be avoided by following these very basic rules:
1. Never leave a burning candle unattended
2. Don’t burn a candle next to anything that might catch fire
3. Keep out of the reach of children and pets
4. Always trim candle wicks to ¼ inch each time before burning
5. Keep away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans and any kind of air current
6. Always burn candles in a well ventilated room
7. Never touch or move a candle when wax is liquid
8. Never use a candle during a power outage to look for things in a closet
9. Make sure a candle is completely extinguished
10. Extinguish a candle if it smokes or flickers
My goal as a Chaplain, author of QUICK! Fire is Faster than a Fire Truck is to help ensure that families exercise a reasonable degree of safety when using candles.
Further I would like to see the high fire fatality rate reduced along with the associated injuries and loss of homes, places of worship and other building.
Candles are safe products, but may become hazardous when used improperly or in an unsafe manner. My wife Marsha over the years has become a candle expert. We both have heard our share of news stories just these past few years about fires blamed on candle. To me a cat is the most dangerous animal to have around a burning candle since they become so fascinated by the flickering flame. If they catch their hair on fire where do you think they will run? They run through the house to get away from it, they spread fire throughout the house.
Like most candle users we fell very experienced in their use but we must always be very careful. Please take the time to request my book that goes into greater detail by visiting lifesafe@comcast.net and you can also visit Marsha’s website at BACandle.com for exciting news on your next candle purchase. We feel these are the absolute best candles they burn clean, with a wonderful long lasting fragrance and a good value. This is how you can help support our Life Safety Outreach! Celebrate Valentines Day Safely!
