I’m Alex Sink, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal.  Fires can be deadly, but they can also be prevented.  With that in mind, we’d like to bring you some important information on fire safety and prevention.  Our focus is candle safety as candles have caused 877 fires, four deaths and more than $12 million in damages over the past three years.  Please take a minute to read about holiday safety.  Take our suggestions to heart, then put them into action for your sake and your family’s protection.  

The number of candle fires doubles during the holiday season…so remember to keep candles away from Christmas trees, wreaths and other decorations. 

• Make sure artificial trees are fire resistant.

• Water live trees daily to slow the drying process.

• Don’t let tree lights touch needles or curtains. 

• Make sure lights are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved and that the wires are in good condition.

• Be sure to turn lights out before you go to bed or leave the house.

Fireplaces are popular this time of year for decorating and for heat.  Make sure it has a sturdy screen to catch sparks and have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year.

You should also have your home heating system inspected at least once a year…and if you use space heaters, keep them at least three feet away from walls, furniture and curtains.  Make sure space heaters are off before you leave the house or go to bed.

Candles can be attractive and smell pleasant.  But they’re also one of the leading causes of house fires.  Use candles with care.  Always stay in the room where candles are burning and keep lit candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn.

• Use sturdy candleholders that won’t tip or burn. 

• Burn candles on sturdy, uncluttered surfaces.

• And be sure to keep candles, matches and lighters away from children.

For safe candle use…

• Trim candle wicks to one-quarter inch before lighting.

• Keep hair and clothing away from the flame.

• Extinguish candles when they burn to within two inches of their holder.

• Be careful not to splatter hot wax when blowing out a candle.

• Place candles away from windows or doorways or anywhere where drafts could affect the flame.

During power outages and at night, use flashlights…and never fall asleep with a candle burning. 

Remember - before you go out, blow out!

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Most house fires can be prevented. 

• Take a few minutes to inspect your home for fire safety by checking to make sure you have working smoke detectors installed on every floor of your home. 

• Make sure there is at least one alarm outside every sleeping area. 

• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. 

• If any smoke alarms are more than 10 years old, don’t take a chance…replace them.

Consider installing an automatic fire-sprinkler system in your home.  Sprinklers can contain or put out a fire in less time than it takes the fire department to arrive.  Sprinklers can also save you money on your homeowner’s insurance.
 

A fire escape plan can save the lives of your loved ones. 

• Begin by drawing a floor plan of your home showing two ways out, including windows, from each room. 
• Choose a meeting place outside your home where everyone will gather when they’ve escaped. 
• Hold home fire drills at least twice a year. 
• Make sure everyone in the household takes part.
   

Visit the Division of State Fire Marshal web site.