Handbooks and Publications - Fire Prevention | Page 11

Fire Prevention Tips

MATCHES, MATCHBOOKS AND LIGHTERS
Some residential fires begin with a match dropped into a wastebasket before it is
fully extinguished. Injuries can even be caused when matches fragment and throw
flaming particles while begin struck.
Children lack the knowledge to use matches responsibly, yet many people leave
matches or lighters in purses, on tables, and in other places where they may be
reached by the inquiring hands of small children. Older persons, even with decades
of experience, may lack the ability to use match carefully.
Lighter fluid is highly flammable. Great care should be taken when filling lighter to
avoid and wipe up spills. It is unsafe to smoke while filling a lighter.

Safety Tips:
1. Avoid using matches that appear discoloured or damaged. They may have
been exposed to dampness, which can make them more likely to fragment or
fall apart when struck.
2. Close the cover before striking -old, but very good advice.
3. Strike away from yourself and others. Flaming particles can fly off of
matchheads. Hold the match well away from faces and fabrics.
4. Pay attention! Lighting a match while you're driving or using tools or
machinery is inviting both accident and fire. You might not notice a flaming
particle dropped from the matchhead until it has started a serious fire.
5. Before you light up, look around. Use your eyes and nose to check for
flammable liquids and vapours. Never smoke or light a flame around
gasoline, paint thinners, or other volatile fluids.
6. Be sure it's out. Hold the match long enough to make sure it's cold and even
then, don't throw it in the flammable trash.

Carrying and Storing Matches and Lighters:
1. Children are fascinated with fire and lighters; keep them out of reach! This
includes not only stored matches and lighters, but also those carried in a
pocket or purse and those used as home decorations.
2. Don't store them near flammable materials or in damp places. Check the
pockets of clothing going into seasonal storage and dispose of old matches
safely. It is especially important not to pack matches in luggage with other
flammable materials such as clothing. The movement of items in a suitcase
might rub matches against a surface enough to cause them to ignite.
3. Most disposable lighters require a button to be held in order for the flame to
bum. Some other types of lighters instead will bum until the cover is closed.
That type can be extremely dangerous if care is not taken to close the cover
tightly before placing it down or putting back in a pocket or purse. All types
of lighters can be particularly dangerous if a child happens to play with them.
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