Monday, December 12, 2016
Today is Candle Safety Day
The holiday season should be festive and fun yet it can be a dangerous time of the year due to the misuse of lit candles.
State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey announced that today, December 12, 2016 will be Candle Safety Day and advised consumers to use candles safely throughout the year. By state law we have set the second Monday in December as Candle Safety Day to promote the safety in our state.
It is important to know - more candle fires happen during Winter holidays, so:
• Burn candles within a one-foot circle, free of anything that can burn,
• Never leave candles burning unattended,
• Always extinguish candles after use,
• Use a non-combustible saucer or candleholder to snuff flames,
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets,
• Consider switching to battery-operated flameless candles,
• 35% of candle fires in homes occurred in the bedroom.
State Fire Marshal Ostroskey said, “Starting with Halloween, we use candles to celebrate many of the winter holidays. Sadly, the increased candle use at this time of year causes an increase in candle fires.” More candle fires happen between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve than any other time. “Candles should be blown out whenever you leave the room or go to sleep; and children should always be supervised, around burning candles,” he added.
Please, be safe, be bright and put out that light.
