Do you know? Candle fires have tripled in Massachusetts over the past decade! and Candles have become one of the leading causes of fire deaths in the home in this state.
Burn candles inside a one foot circle of safety, an area free of anything that could come in contact with the flame and burn. Use candles in the center of an area one-foot in diameter free of anything that could burn, such as decorations, curtains that could blow around, other items on a table or bureau. Use steady metal, glass or ceramic container. Stay in the same room with burning candles; never leave them burning unattended. Most candle fires start when they are left burning unattended. Don't leave a candle burning out of your sight or when you fall asleep at night. Use candles out of reach of children and pets. Many candle fires are started when pets knock them over, or when children touch or play with them. Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children. Store in a high cabinet, preferably a locked one. You wouldn't leave a loaded gun lying around and a lighter can be just as dangerous in a child's hand. Teach everyone in the family the rules of safe candle use. Children, teenagers, grown-ups and older adults should know the rules of safe candle use.
Information courtesy of the Office of the State Fire Marshal Helping make our community a better, safer place to live! Dial 9-1-1 in case of an Emergency!