NFPA share fire safety tips to keep Valentine’s Day safe

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has shared fire safety tips in advance of Valentine’s Day.

The organization mentioned candle lighting and cooking a romantic meal as reasons for the increased fire risk on February 14.

Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy, NFPA, Lorraine Carli’s statement

Lorraine Carli, Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy at the NFPA commented: “If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day at home this year, your plans likely include a special meal and candles.

“Our goal is to help ensure everyone enjoys the holiday with fire safety in mind.”

Cooking safety

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries year-round.

Unattended cooking is a factor in over one-quarter (29 percent) of reported home cooking fires and half of the associated deaths.

Cooking safety tips include the following:

• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food.
• Have a “kid and pet-free zone” of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove.
• Keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
• Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

Candle safety

Candles are also a leading cause of home fires and must be used with caution and supervision. 

NFPA data shows that half of all candle fires started when a flammable object – such as furniture, bedding, curtains, home décor, or clothing – was too close to a lit candle.

In 21 percent of home candle fires, the candle was either left unattended, discarded, or otherwise misused. More than one-third of candle fires (36 percent) started in the bedroom.

If you do plan to use a candle, NFPA recommends the following:

• Don’t use lit candles in bedrooms, bathrooms, and sleeping areas.
• Use stable candle holders and place candles where they can’t be easily knocked over.
• Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn.
• Keep hair and 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.
• Store matches and lighters up high, out of children’s reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed.

Valentine’s Day safety advice shared by the NFPA: Summary

The NFPA has shared a warning ahead Valentine’s Day, citing the increased fire risks that emerge on February 14.

Lorraine Carli, Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy at the NFPA said that making plans including a special meal or lighting a candle mean you have to enjoy the holiday with fire safety in mind.