Valentine's Fire Hazards!

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Don't Let Your Romance Go Up in Smoke!

Your friends here at SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia want to spread some love by cautioning you on this Valentine’s Day. Today is all about love and happiness, what could go wrong? Well believe it or not, accidents still happen on this lover’s holiday and we want to make sure you are prepared.

Candle Safety Stats

Candle fires caused an annual average of:

• $295 million in direct property damage
• More than 37% of home candle fires began in the bedroom, although the National Candle Association found that only 13% of candle users burn candles in the bedroom most often
• 58% candle fires started when burnable items (furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains, or decorations) was too close to the candle.
• In 16% of the fires, the candles were unattended or abandoned.

In movies, they might line hallways, tables, and bathtubs with candles on Valentine’s Day, but that is a guaranteed fire hazard. Don’t let your romantic ambience become a romantic fire hazard.

Candle Safety Tips

Avoid candle fires by:

• NOT leaving candles unattended or abandoned. Blow out all candles when you leave a room or before you go to sleep
• Putting out any candles before you go to bed.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that could burn or catch on fire
• Placing candles in sturdy holders made of glass, metal or ceramic. (If you’re not sure about something, don’t do it.)
• Placing candles on a flat surface where they could not be knocked over
• Keep all candles out of reach of children and pets
• Make sure fire alarms are in working order before you light your candles.
• When possible, use battery-operated candles.

source: http://www.nfpa.org