Light up a room with a candle and even the shabbiest decor takes on a new and softer look. The same can be said of faces that have weathered more than a few storms. Candlelight is kind.
Although seldom used for their original purpose, to provide light where none is available, candles today are a decorating statement. They come in every shape, size, color and scent imaginable, adding eye-pleasing accents to the decor of any room.
Unfortunately, the popularity of candles today brings with it a sobering statistic — the number of home fires attributed to candles is one the rise and has been for about 15 years, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
In 2002, the latest year for which statistics are available, candles were the reported cause for 18,000 structure fires, 130 deaths, 1,350 injuries and $333 million in property damage, NFPA studies show. Half of those fires were caused when some sort of combustible material was left too close to a burning candle, 18 percent were started after candles were left burning unattended and another 5 percent were caused by people, (usually children), playing with a candle.
No wonder “Candle with Care” has become the theme for this week’s Fire Prevention Week. It presents fire prevention organizations the opportunity to educate the public on ways to reduce the risk associated with burning candles.
Among the safety tips offered by NFPA:
— Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish all candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
— Keep candles at least a foot away from anything that can burn including curtains, blinds, wallpaper and clothing.
— Don’t place candles near windows or doorways where drafts could bring combustible materials in contact with the flame.
— Keep candles away from flammable liquids.
— Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over easily, are made from material that can’t burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
— Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and loose clothing away from the flame.
— Avoid using candles during a power outage. Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting on hand for emergencies.
— Never leave a child unattended in a room with a burning candle. Don’t allow kids to burn candles in their bedrooms.
— Store matches and lighters up high, out of children’s sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.
By practicing a few safety rules, candles and the beauty they add to our surroundings, can remain a part of our lives as long as we “candle with care.”
