State Farm® Cautions Consumers When Using Candles
Salem, Oregon, February 11, 2011 Many couples will commemorate Valentine’s Day with a room full of beautiful flowers, dinner table set for two and the seductive glow of flickering candles throughout the room. When staging this scene for your loved one, be sure to consider the dangers of improper candle use.
State Farm wants to remind you that, those decorative and fragrant candles that make an attractive addition to your home, if used improperly, are a serious fire hazard.
State Farm claims data shows that February is the third highest month for home fires, with 14,517 home fire claims (excluding lightning and grease fire claims) from 2006 - 2010. On Valentines’ Day alone, State Farm has received more than 500 home fire-related claims during the same time period. Not all of these fires can be attributed to candles, but it does serve as reminder to be cautious with an open flame.
A few facts about candle fires: more than one-third of home candle fires are started in the bedroom. Most candle fires are caused by combustibles being too close to the candle, such as drapes. The next common cause is when candles are knocked over by wind, doors, children or pets.
The most important ways to reduce your risk of a home fire due to candles is to never leave a candle unattended, always keep burning candles within sight and use candles only in rooms where there is a responsible adult to control and oversee the flame.
Consider these additional tips to reduce your risk of a destructive candle fire:
Utilize these safety tips and take a few moments to make sure the scene you create for your loved one this weekend is both romantic and safe. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
Check out Romantic not Frantic on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOJ1UTIAtVQ
Bill Hilliard, State Farm Insurance, (503) 463-3893
State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm’s 17,700 agents and 68,600 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts – more than 78.7 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.9 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 31 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®.
