Use Candles with Care

• Over half (55%) of home candle fires start because the candle is too close to some combustible material.
• More candle fires (38%) begin in the bedroom than in any other room.
• Falling asleep is a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 26% of the associated deaths.
• Half of all civilian candle fire deaths occur between Midnight and 6am.
• December is the peak month for candle fires; Christmas is the peak day.
• Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires.
• The risk of a fatal candle fire appears higher when candles are used for light.
  
  _{Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - Candle Fires, September 2007.}

Tragic and Preventable Candle Fires

• Three sleeping boys died when a candle left burning in the living room ignited nearby combustibles.
  
• A man and his three children died in a fire when hot wax from an unattended candle dripped on curtains, igniting them.
• Eleven members of a family died in a fire when a lighted candle ignited a mattress.
• Two children died in a fire when a lighted candle rolled under the Christmas tree.
• A mother and young baby died when a burning candle used for religious observances ignited cabinetry.

Fact: The majority of candle fires result from human error and negligence.

Candle Fire Safety Tip

• Avoid using lighted candles.
  
• If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
• Set a good example by using matches, lighters, and fire carefully.
• Children should never be allowed to play with matches, lighters or candles.
• Never put candles on a Christmas tree.
• Never leave the house with candles burning.
• Extinguish candles after use.
• Establish a fire-safe home, especially a safe sleeping environment.
• And NEVER leave burning candles unattended!

Remember!  Candle fires are PREVENTABLE!

In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts!

Escape first, and then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it frequently with your family.  Designate a meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room.

Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke, and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason: it may cost you your life.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.

_{Material provided by the US Fire Administration}