Facts About Home Candle Fires
Do you use candles in your home to decorate? According to the National Candle Association (NCA), candles are used in seven out of ten households in the United States.
Most people don’t view candles as a fire hazard, but the number of home candle fires is steadily increasing. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports from 1983 through 1997 candles in the home caused an annual average of 8,690 fires, 104 civilian deaths, 947 injuries and estimated direct property loss of $126 million.
Nearly half of the home candle fires started in the bedroom, with 19 percent starting in the living rooms, family rooms or dens. Thirty-six percent occurred because candles were left unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled.
A candle is an open flame that can easily ignite nearby combustible materials. The NFPA offers the following safety tips:
¨ Use candles only with constant adult supervision.
¨ Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.
¨ Keep candles away from items that can catch fire, such as Christmas trees, clothing, paper or curtains.
¨ Place candles and candle holders on a secure piece of furniture. Make sure candleholders are non-combustible and large enough to collect dripping wax.
¨ Do not place lighted candles in windows, where blinds or curtains can close over them.
¨ Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch, and extinguish candles when they burn to within two inches of the holder.
¨ Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
¨ Do not use candles in places where they can be knocked over by children or pets.
¨ Use flashlights or battery generated lights during power outages.
¨ Avoid carrying a lighted candle.
¨ Never use a candle for light near a kerosene heater or lantern.
¨ Extinguish all candles when leaving the home or when going to sleep.
Something Good: Ham and Hash Brown Casserole
Shared by American Heart Association
Vegetable oil spray
12 ounces frozen nonfat hash brown potatoes
4 oz. low-fat, low-sodium ham, thinly sliced and chopped (about 1 cup)
1 cup chopped onion (about 2 medium onions)
1/2 cup chopped green onions (about 9) or fresh green pepper
1/2 cup nonfat or light sour cream
1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk or fat-free half-half
1 finely chopped jalapeno pepper (optional)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 ounces reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (3/4 cup)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch square glass baking dish with vegetable oil spray. In a large bow stir together all ingredients except cheese. Pour into baking dish. Bake for 50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Stir in half the cheese; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 5 minutes, until cheese has melted.