Candle Fires

More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and more than 20,000 are injured. Many of them might be alive today if they had only had the information they needed to avoid a disaster. The U.S. Fire Administration offers the following life-saving tips could make a big difference for you and your community.

Did you know?

Eighty-two percent of all fire deaths occur in the home.
The bedroom is the most common room in the house where candle fires start.
Deaths due to candle fires are particularly preventable.
Having a working smoke alarm reduces one's chance of dying in a fire nearly one-half.

Following these simple fire safety tips can increase your survival rate dramatically.

Candle Fires Life-Saving Tips

Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
Put out candles after use.
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Children are one of the highest risk groups for death in residential fires.
Keep lit candles away from bedding, curtains, papers and anything else that can ignite easily.
Ensure candles are in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders and put where they cannot be tipped over.
Most candle fires occur in bedrooms. Keep your home, especially the bedrooms, fire-safe.
Never leave a lit candle unattended.
In case of a fire, stay low to the ground beneath the smoke, and have an escape plan already worked out. Get out, stay out.