Candle Safety Urged To

Prevent Fires

The fire marshal is offering some safety tips on the use of candles, whose use greatly increases during the holiday season.

More fires caused by candles occur in December than in other months.

Fire Marshal Bill Halstead urges that residents put out all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep; keep lit candles well away from flammable objects; and use large, sturdy candle holders that are nonflammable, will not tip over, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.

Do not place lit candles in windows where blinds and curtains can close over them.

Candleholders should be placed on a sturdy, uncluttered surface. Candles should not be used in areas where children or pets could knock them over.

 Mr Halstead also urges that that candles be kept up high, out of the reach of children. Never leave children in a room unattended with lit candles.

Children should not sleep in rooms with lit candles. Children and teens should not have candles in their bedrooms.

Candles, matches, and lighters should be stored out of children’s sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.

The fire marshal urges that during power outages, flashlights be used instead of candles. Avoid carrying lit candles, especially when searching for items in confined areas.