Fireplace and Candle Safety Reminders 

The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping. It’s that time of year again when a warm, crackling fireplace and sweet-scented candles become comfort items to stave off the cold and dark of the oncoming winter. The smell of the burning wood and the snap of the fire makes for a cozy evening spent reading, watching your favorite Netflix show, or maybe just hanging out with family. 

The Danger of Home Fires

Unfortunately, these creature comforts are not all fun and games. According to the National Fire Protection Association(NFPA), an estimated 374,000 U.S. homes catch fire annually. The price tag for these losses is a staggering $8 billion annually. 

Beyond the structural and property damage numbers lie the real loss – human life. According to the NFPA, these fires cause an average of 2,620 civilian deaths and 11,220 civilian fire injuries. 

Since misuse of fireplaces and candles are two of the causes of home fires, we thought this would be a good time to remind our readers about the ways to stay safe while using them this winter season. 

Have an Annual Chimney Inspection 

To be sure your fireplace is ready to be used, it is smart to have your fireplace inspected on a regular basis for creosote build-up and any debris that may be blocking the vent. Squirrels and other wildlife love to build nests inside the protected chimney stack. Either could cause a fire that could get out-of-control. 

While you are checking the safety of your chimney, inspect the fireplace and the screen that protects your living room from stray sparks that may land on your rug or furnishings. To prevent this from happening, it is a good idea to check that the fireplace screen is in good working condition and that you have a fire extinguisher readily available. 

Practice Candle Safety 

We all know that candles are fragrant and cast a lovely glow as they flicker, but did you also know that they should never be left unattended. Make sure you are always within a few feet of your candles in case they fall or inadvertently catch something on fire. This is especially true if you have young children who may be drawn to the flame. 

Keep candles away from curtains, paperwork, and pets that may get too close. It’s always a good idea to have the candle on a flat, sturdy surface to be sure there is no tipping or falling. 

Install a Home Fire & Smoke Alarm System

Instant Alarm knows how precious your home and family is, and that’s why we recommend that every home have a home fire and smoke alarm system. Many of our clients choose a simple system that includes alerting for smoke, fire, or the invisible gas, carbon monoxide. Yet others choose a comprehensive home security system that alerts for all of those issues and gives peace of mind that your home is protected even when you are not around. 

Our Instant Alarm monitoring station is carefully watched 24/7 by our operators at our own UL Listed central monitoring station. Talk to our team today about how you can protect your home and family from becoming a fire statistic.