| Winter is almost over, and spring is just around | | | | fires per year caused by burning candles. |
| the corner. For some people, especially those | | | | It is always best to use one's head and common |
| affected with seasonal affective disorder, winter | | | | sense in order to protect the home from fires. |
| can be depressing, with everything cold, dark and | | | | When leaving the house or when going to sleep, |
| blue. Sometimes, these people often times feel | | | | always remove the space heaters or any other |
| lonely and alone, with no one to share their hugs | | | | electrical appliance from their electrical sockets. |
| with, and feel the warmth of another person's | | | | Not only are you saving up energy and the |
| body. Still, winter also means Christmas and | | | | environment, but you are also preventing freak |
| Christmas means being surrounded with the | | | | fire accidents. Members of the household must be |
| warmth of family, friends and the people whom | | | | informed and prepared in case of a fire. Every |
| you love. | | | | house should have an escape plan or escape |
| Literally speaking though, most warm heaters are | | | | route so its residents would know where to go if |
| turned on during the winter and early spring | | | | and when a fire breaks out. |
| season, in order to warm the entire house, and | | | | Children should never be trusted about playing fire |
| not feel so cold during the Christmas. But space | | | | from the chimney or playing with electrical |
| heaters run up the household's electrical bill, so | | | | sockets or appliances. The classic rule of "stop, |
| some people use chimneys and candles in order | | | | drop and roll" is perfect for teaching to kids. |
| to warm themselves up. However, Sioux City Fire | | | | Children must understand the dangers of starting |
| officials and rescue workers are warning the public | | | | a fire. When using candles inside the home, even |
| about causing fire inside their homes. Fire Marshall | | | | organic natural candles such as soy candles and |
| Chuck Hirsch reported that many people leave | | | | beeswax candles, always keep them away from |
| the space heaters plugged in and running | | | | dry and flammable objects, lest it can catch fire |
| unattended inside their houses. When such | | | | and spread inside the home. Never leave a burning |
| appliances are left running on electricity, it can | | | | candle inside a room unattended, and never place |
| overheat the electrical circuit and causes a fire. | | | | them near an open window. Safety should always |
| According to a report by the National Fire | | | | be a priority. |
| Protection Association (NFPA), about 15,600 home | | | | |