Extinguish Candle Fire Risks at Home

If your idea of a perfectly relaxing day at home includes the scent of a lit candle, the Westerville Division of Fire (WFD) is asking you to remember a few safety tips.

“We’re not here to completely discourage the use of candles in the home, but it’s important to stay vigilant to ensure they don’t become safety hazards,” said WFD Chief Brian Miller.

Fire experts say that more than a third of all home fires involving candles begin in a bedroom. Easily forgotten, it’s important to always supervise an open flame (no matter how small).

“This may sound like common sense, but make sure you read the instructions on your candles before burning. Most encourage users not to burn past a certain point because of the heat tolerance of the container,” Chief Miller said.

The National Fire Protection Association encourages candle lovers to keep flammable items at least 12 inches from open flames.

It’s January. Have You Checked Your Fire & CO Detector Batteries?

According to the National Fire Protection Administration, half of all home heating fires occur between December and February. Carbon monoxide poisoning cases also increase during the colder months. The Westerville Division of Fire (WFD) is encouraging residents to update their New Year resolutions to include checking the batteries of their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month.

When properly installed and maintained, these lifesaving tools sound an alarm when they detect the presence of smoke or carbon monoxide. Checking the batteries takes seconds but will ensure your family has the best chance of being safe in an emergency.

Need new smoke detectors?

Visit www.westerville.org/fire to learn about WFD’s “You Call. We Install” free smoke detector program.