Candle safety tips to prevent fires

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

Us here at SERVPRO of Tacoma have complied a list of important tips to help you understand how dangerous candles can be and how to use the safely. 

Quick tips-

• 38% of home candle fires start in bedrooms and cause 35% of associated deaths. 
• More than 50% of all candle home fires start because the candle was too close to a a flammable item (I.E. mattresses, bedding, curtains, cabinetry, or furniture are ignited). 
• In 12% of home candle fires and in 25% of associated deaths and injuries, the household occupants were asleep when the fire occurred.
• Unsupervised children are involved in 20% of home candle fires. 
• Having a working smoke alarm reduces one’s chances of dying in a fire by nearly 50%.
• 11% of home fires are caused by falling asleep while a candle is lit
• 58% of home fires started when something flammable was too close to the lit candle
• 36% of home fires start in the bedroom

Preparedness Tips:

• Remember that lit candles are fire. Keep them at least 12 inches from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding, mattresses, paper, books, flammable decorations, clothing, and upholstered furniture.
• Never leave a room or go to sleep before blowing out all lit candles.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily. Candle holders that are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax would also be a good idea.
• Place candles where they cannot be reached or knocked over by pets or children.
• During an emergency, always use flashlights instead of candles as light sources.
• Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle. Additionally, keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children.
• Keep all lit candles and any other open flames away from flammable liquids.

In the worse case scenario of a home fire, SERVPRO of Tacoma is here to help. We can clean your content and home, demo effected areas and eliminate smoke odor from your home. Feel free to call us at 253-896-3000 for more information!