Gord Perks City Councillor, Ward 4, Parkdale-High Park

 

 

Earth Hour Candle Safety

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Toronto residents will join millions of people around the globe by switching lights off to celebrate Earth Hour on Saturday, March 23 at 8:30 p.m.

The City of Toronto reminds everyone to keep fire safety in mind during the lights-out period on Saturday. Many sources of fires are on the decline, but candle fires have increased in recent years. Toronto Fire Services recommends not using candles. Instead, use a battery-powered flashlight when light is needed during Earth Hour.

If candles are used, please follow these fire safety tips:
– Always stay in the room where candles are lit.
– Extinguish all candles when leaving the room.
– Avoid using candles in bedrooms.
– Keep candles at least one metre away from anything that can burn.
– Keep candles, matches and lighters hidden and out of the reach of children.
– Use sturdy candle holders that won’t tip or burn. Consider using a candle holder that encloses the flame in a glass shade or chimney.
– Extinguish candles when they burn to within five centimetres (two inches) of their holder.
– Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every storey of your home.
– Practise your home fire escape plan.

More information about fire safety is available at http://www.toronto.ca/fire/prevention

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