Candle Safety Tips from Allstate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) October 3, 2011 -- There's a special beauty and tranquility to candles, but a lighted candle is also an open flame, and a potential fire hazard if not carefully monitored.

In fact, according to the National Candle Association, accidental candle fires account for approximately 4 percent of all U.S. residential fires. A recent study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that 85 percent of candle fires could be avoided if consumers followed three basic safety rules: Don’t leave a burning candle unattended, avoid burning a candle on or near something that could catch fire and keep candles away from children and pets.

“Sometimes we forget to keep in mind some of the most obvious safety tips,” said Allstate spokesman John Heid.

Allstate and the National Candle Association remind consumers of the following tips while burning a candle:

• Never touch or move a burning candle. Never move a votive or container candle when the wax is liquefied.
• Don't burn a candle all the way down. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 2 inches of wax remains (1/2 inch if in a container).

• Extinguish a candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly. Let the candle cool, trim the wick, and check for unwanted drafts before re-lighting.
• Always keep the candle within your sight. If you are going to leave the room, be sure to first blow out all candles.

“Should a fire occur in your home, you’ll need to think fast,” says Heid.

The following are some important things to have prepared, accessible, or in mind if a fire breaks out in your home:

• Have your fire extinguisher handy. Keep at least one on each floor – especially near the kitchen, garage, laundry room and workshop.

• Create a fire safety plan, with a designated meeting place. Talk with your family and make sure everyone knows what to do in case a fire breaks out.
• Designate two exits from your house. If one should be blocked, then you will the other one to use.
• If the home’s rooms and hallways are filled with smoke, then get down close to the floor and crawl to the nearest stairs. You will breathe in less smoke if you stay low.
• If you have a pet, have a plan for taking the pet with you when you leave.

Contact your local Allstate agents for more information on fire safety tips and homeowners insurance questions.

About the Allstate Corporation

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

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