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Winter Safety Reminders |
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The holidays are upon us and winter is rapidly approaching. Safety admonitions we frequently hear at this time of year include (1) maintain your chimney, (2) don’t burn wrapping paper in the fireplace, (3) make sure tree lights have been tested for safety by an approved laboratory, (4) don’t overload outlets and extension cords, and (5) ensure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in place and that they are in working order. We have also been told over the years not to leave candles burning unattended or while sleeping. The seriousness of this warning has been underscored by a recent study. The Consumer Product Safety Commission studied candles as the ignition source of residential fires. House fires caused by candles increased from 8,500 to 12,900 from 1980 to 1998. |
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Deaths from fires caused by candles increased 750 percent from 20 to 170 deaths during the same period. In years past, burning candles may have been considered an extravagance and limited to formal dinners. However, candles are now used to create ambience, fragrance, and light, among other things, and sales are estimated at $2.3 billion annually. The CPSC is working with the American Society for Testing and Materials to develop voluntary standards for candles. In the meantime, be safe! |
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Reprinted from The Reconstructor, Newsletter of Boster, Kobayashi & Associates, Winter 2002. |
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