Fire Prevention Week in Missouri:
Careful with Candles
JEFFERSON CITY, October 11, 2005-October 9-15 is designated
as Fire Prevention Week in Missouri as well as nationwide. The National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has set this year’s theme
as “Use Candles with Care”. The NFPA reports in 2002,
candles caused an estimated 18,000 structure fires in the United States
resulting in 130 deaths and $333 million dollars in property damage.
State Fire Marshal Randy Cole said if citizens would
use caution and common sense when it comes to fire-related activities,
property damage and burn injuries could be averted.
“If citizens would use more caution, we would
have less fire-related incidents,” Cole said. “Whether
it’s building a campfire in the woods during the summer, starting
some logs in your fireplace during the winter, or burning a candle
for aesthetics, all of that enjoyment is not worth the property damage
and injuries caused by unattended fires. Raising awareness to some
small common sense precautions Missourians can take, we can really
decrease the pain and destruction that fires can cause.”
In 2004, Missouri fire departments reported 118 structure
fires attributed to candles. These fires resulted in one death and
10 injuries, as well as causing over $1 million dollars in property
damage. So far this year, Missouri has experienced 65 structure fires
resulting in five injuries and nearly $800,000 in property damage.
State Fire Marshal Randy Cole joins the NFPA and Missouri’s
fire service in reminding all citizens to use candles safely.
Some safety tips include:
1) Never leave a candle burning unattended or while you sleep.
2) Keep all combustibles at least one foot from any candle.
3) Be mindful of window coverings which may be blown into a burning
candle.
4) Never let small children light candles or have access to burning
candles.
5) Don’t allow teenage children to burn candles in bedrooms.
6) Position candles so loose clothing or hair does not make contact
with the flame.
7) Use a sturdy, wide-based candle holder to minimize tipping.
8) Keep wicks trimmed to within ¼ inch of the candle.
9) Instead of using candles during a power outage, have flashlights
and batteries on hand for emergency lighting.
Candle-related fires increase during the holidays. Christmas
Day was the peak day of the year for home candle fires between 1999-2002.
New Year's Day and Christmas Eve tied for second.
Fire Prevention Week is also a great time to practice
fire drills at home and at work. Homeowners should also take time
to talk to their families about what to do in the event of a fire.
All public occupancies, especially schools, are encouraged to conduct
a fire drill during Fire Prevention Week.
Fire Marshal Cole also reminds everyone to check the
batteries in their home smoke detectors. Smoke detectors should be
replaced at least twice a year. Changing batteries coincides with
the time change to and from daylight savings time. This fall the time
change occurs on October 31st. Remember to “Change Your Clock
- Change Your Battery”.
For more information on Fire Prevention Week, please
contact Terri Durdaller at (573) 751-4819.