Fire Safety for the Holidays: Protecting Your Home with Candle Safety and Education
The holiday season is upon us. This means that many households will be pulling out and lighting their candles to create a cozy, festive vibe.
Whether used to decorate your Thanksgiving table, add ambiance to your living room while you watch a Holiday movie, or create a cozy atmosphere during cold events, candles are a simple pleasure that can make everything feel a bit more magical. That being said, they also pose fire risks that should not be overlooked.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has reported that annually an estimated average of 5,910 home fires are started by candles. These fires sometimes lead to death and injures as well as millions of dollars in property damage. Make sure your family is safe by knowing the essential tips for candle safety and being equipped with fire safety knowledge.
Essential Tips for Candle Safety
The biggest thing about using candles safely is about where they are placed, how long they are burned, and ensuring that you use them responsibly by following the tips below.
1. Don’t Walk Away from Lit Candles
The number one rule of candle safety is to never leave a lit candle unattended. A burning candle left unattended can lead to a fire and put your whole household at risk.
2. Keep Candles Out of Reach
Always make sure that your candles are in sturdy holders that will not tip over. Make sure to place them up high on stable surfaces where children and pets can not accidentally knock them over.
3. Keep Candles Away from Flammable Items
Keep your lit candles 5 feet away from anything that might catch fire. That includes curtains, clothing, paper, and furniture.
4. Avoid Drafty Areas
Don’t place candles near open windows, air vents, or fans. Drafts can increase the risk of a candle tipping over and starting a fire.
5. Skip Candles in Bedrooms
Lighting a candle before bed is a risky move. If you want that soft glow to lull you to sleep, battery-operated options are your safer, smarter choice.
6. Extinguish Candles Properly
Blowing out a candle can leave embers behind that can start a fire. It is best to use a candle snuffer to properly extinguish the flame.
7. Educate Your Household on Fire Safety
Candles are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fire safety. Make sure everyone in your home knows what to do if a fire starts—whether it’s how to use a fire extinguisher or when to call 911.
The Importance of Fire Safety Education
While practicing candle safety is crucial, it’s only part of the larger goal of preventing fires and staying prepared. Comprehensive fire safety education equips people of all ages with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in emergencies.
Boulder Blimp’s inflatable fire education houses provide an engaging way to teach fire safety. Fire departments across the U.S. and Canada use these portable structures to offer interactive training, such as fire drills, evacuation planning, and skills like “stop, drop, and roll.” With features like smoke machines and hard flooring, these houses simulate realistic scenarios in a safe, controlled environment.
Perfect for schools, community events, and public gatherings, these inflatables are easy to set up and customize. They even offer opportunities for fire departments to partner with local businesses through sponsorship banners, fostering stronger community involvement.
Stay Safe This Season
As candles light up homes during the holidays, remember to prioritize fire safety. Boulder Blimp’s inflatable fire education houses are a powerful tool to educate communities and ensure everyone is prepared for emergencies. For more information or to design your own inflatable fire house, reach out today. Let’s make this holiday season both warm and safe.
