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| By Chief P. Robert Wallace East Longmeadow Fire Department This past week there was serious house fire in Town that was started by a candle. The following are guidelines to be used if you are going to use candles. Please use extreme caution at all times. Over the last 10 years, candle fires have more that tripled from 5,500 reported in 1990 to an estimated 18,000 during 2001 at an alarming fire loss of $25 million dollars and 157 deaths. I would like to pass on a few life-saving and prevention safety tips when using candles in the home. Keep all matches and lighters away from children Never leave a lit candle unattended Never have candles in a child's room Be very cautious with pets and candles in the home pets are curious Don't light a candle and then walk with it. Never place candles in windows Do not use anywhere around flammable liquids Use sturdy candle holders Place the candles on a firm surface-preferably a cookie sheet or equal Do not have a lit candle near any combustibles or moving drapes or curtains. Never use a candle to "Search" in a confined space or under a bed Use flashlights or lightsticks during a power outage instead of several lit candles. Remember, working smoke detectors save lives. Make sure you have them and that they are all working today. |