SAFETY & ENERGY

Use Candles with Care

"Use Candles with Care," the theme of National Fire Prevention Week 2005 is being promoted by Choptank Electric.

Candles are very popular items and with several holidays approaching co-op members are reminded that a candle is an open flame that can easily ignite any combustible material nearby.

According to a National Fire Prevention Association survey, an estimated 18,000 home fires started by candles were reported to public fire departments in 2002 resulting in an estimated 130 civilian deaths and an estimated direct property loss of $333 million.

Half of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle; eighteen percent occurred after candles were left unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled; five percent were started by people (usually children) playing with the candle.

Christmas Day was the peak day of the year for home candle fires in 1999-2002. New Year's Day and Christmas Eve tied for second.

Please follow these safety tips when using candles in the home:

Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
Keep candles away from items that can catch fire, like clothing, books and curtains.
Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holder. Votives and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.
If you experience a power outage, please avoid carrying a lighted candle or leaving lighted candles in the house unattended. The best practice is to keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy.