Caution with Candles during Power Outages

By: Barbara Herring | WSAV-TV
Published: August 07, 2008

» Comments | Post a Comment

Lt. Dan Byrne with the Beaufort Fire Dept. called News 3 tonight with an important safety message. Amid the severe thunderstorms and power outages this afternoon, his department was dealing with at least four fires, not caused by lightning but by candles being left near drapes and on top of newspapers.

He wants to remind the folks in the Lowcountry that they should use candles with extreme care. In fact, use only flashlights during power outages if possible.

But if you have to use a candle:

- Don't place candles next to paper, drapes, clothes, lampshades, or other flammable materials.

- Only use one candle at a time and don't leave it unattended or out of sight.

- Put the candle on a sturdy surface.

- Be watchful around children and pets; make sure the candle isn't in a place where they can accidentally knock it over.