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By Mike Zabko
American Red Cross Southern Maryland Chapter
Candles have become a popular gift and decorative item for the home. But along with their warmth and cozy light, they can bring something much more dangerous—the threat of fire. Nationally, between 2000 and 2004 an estimated 20,900 home fires were caused by candles, claiming 200 lives, injuring 1,790 people, and resulting in $459 million in property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association.
The Southern Maryland Chapter urges residents of Southern Maryland to take special care with lit candles, throughout their home, particularly in bedrooms. Thirty-eight percent of candle fires start in bedrooms, and 25 percent of candle related deaths and injuries happen when people have fallen asleep. To prevent this needless suffering, the Red Cross recommends that you always blow out candles before leaving the room or falling asleep. And, if you feel sleepy, extinguish lit candles immediately.
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