Safety tips for Fire Prevention Month

Did you know candles cause 8,200 house fires per year on average in the U.S.?

Using traditional candles at home can bring unnecessary risk

Especially when there are kids or pets in the picture. Accidents happen! We forget to blow candles out before leaving the house. They get knocked over or placed too near the curtains. Not to mention the smoke and soot-stained walls or counters they leave behind.

October is National Fire Prevention Month, with even more emphasis from Oct. 6-12, Fire Prevention Week. The goal is to raise as much awareness around fire safety as possible to avoid unnecessary injury or damage.

Many fires, especially those at home, could be prevented with some basic knowledge. When you know the risks, you can avoid them. Even if we can avoid these risks, we all know they can still happen so if you get insurance you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your belongings are covered.

It’s time to kick the wick!

We believe fragrance makes life better, and our goal at Scentsy has always been to provide families with a safer alternative to traditional candles.

Scentsy Bars are safer because no flame is required for the wax to melt and release fragrance. Since the wax is warmed and not burned as with wicked candles, no harmful chemicals or pollutants are released into the air. With Scentsy, there’s no flame, smoke, soot or lead.

The best part about our original Simple System (warmer + wax) is that you’re not giving up style, quality or variety. We offer dozens of handcrafted warmer designs in various sizes and styles to complement your home’s décor. And there are always at least 80 Scentsy Bar fragrances to choose from. Plus, we release new warmers and fragrances every month!

Basic Scentsy Warmer safety

Even though Scentsy Warmers don’t need a flame to fill your home with fragrance, they do put off a small amount of heat and require electricity. To ease risk or worry, follow these simple usage guidelines:

• Don’t place Scentsy Warmers on flammable surfaces or near things that could catch fire.
• Use the appropriate bulb for your warmer. Check the tag on the cord or bottom of your warmer for a label that includes wattage requirements, and remember that all mini warmers use a 15-watt bulb. Order a few spare bulbs from your Scentsy Consultant (or find a Consultant at scentsy.com) to keep on hand.
• Turn off your warmers when you’re not at home, and unplug them – along with other small appliances, lamps, etc. – when you leave overnight.

More fire prevention and safety tips

• Smoke detectors: Install smoke detectors with alarms inside each bedroom and on every level of your home – don’t forget the basement! Be sure to test the alarms every month and replace batteries once a year.
  
• Cooking: Did you know that most house fires are caused by cooking? To protect your home, don’t ever leave an in-use stove or oven unattended. Keep baking soda on hand to quickly put out small grease fires – water makes them worse.
  
• Fire extinguisher: Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher on every level, to handle any unexpected flare-ups before they get out of control. If you only have one, keep it under the kitchen sink – you’re most likely to need it near the stove.
  
• Keeping Warm: If you have a fireplace you light in the winter then make sure your kids know to be sensible around it and be sure to put it out every night when you go to bed.
  
• Gas: Even if you have gas appliances, you shouldn’t be able to smell gas in your home when they aren’t in use. Check to make sure the knobs on your range are fully off, and don’t ever hesitate to call the gas company – even if you’re unsure.
  
• Jack-o’-lanterns: Halloween is right around the corner! If you plan to carve pumpkins this year, give them a spooky glow with a small, battery-operated LED light rather than a lit candle.
  
• Have a family escape plan: Be sure your entire family knows exactly what to do and where to go in case of a house fire. Practice your exit strategy regularly to keep it fresh in kids’ minds.
  
• Call 911: In case of fire, once you are safely outside your home, call 911 to get the fire department on the scene ASAP.

This month, talk to your family about fire safety. Swap out the batteries in the smoke detectors. Stop burning candles at home. And teach the kids what to do in case of fire and how to dial 911. It’s knowledge you hope you’ll never actually need to use, but it’s always safer to be ready for whatever may come!

To shop a safer alternative to traditional candles, reach out to your Scentsy Consultant. Don’t have a Consultant? Find one at scentsy.com.