Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of home fires and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.
Candle with Care
If you burn candles, make sure that you…
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Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.
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Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
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Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
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Don’t burn a candle all the way down – put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
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Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
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Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.
Candles and Kids
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 locked cabinet.
FACTS
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December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.
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Roughly one-third of home fires started in the bedroom.
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More than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle.