Candles have caused many home fires and it is very important for members of the community and home owners to take extra care with the use of candles at home.

Candle fire safety tips:

• Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where you and your family may fall asleep.
• Keep candles away from anything that can burn like curtains, settees, near beddings and any other clothing materials which can easily catch fire.
• Use candle holders that are metallic and sturdy and won’t tip over easily.
• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down – put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.

Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach in a locked cabinet.
The National Fire Authority (NFA) is also advising members of the community to be mindful of fire safety especially during this Easter long weekend holidays.
Members of the community are reminded to be mindful of fire safety tips like checking their home to ensure all fire ignition sources, cooking and electrical items in the house are switched off before leaving their house or going to bed.

There will be a lot of cooking activities this long weekend for some families and we are urging family members to be mindful and extra careful in relation to fire safety.

Also very important thing for parents and adults who are cooking at home to ensure that they place their hot food after cooking at an appropriate place in the kitchen to ensure that younger children do not get their hands onto hot cooking pots which can spill over leading to serious burns to their children.