Is Your House a Death Trap? 11 Accidents Waiting to Happen (And How to Avoid Them)

Unattended candles

Candles certainly set a mood, but they can also set fire to your home. The National Fire Protection Association notes in their 2015 report that between 2009 and 2013, U.S. fire departments responded to about 9,300 home structure fires that were caused by candles, with over a third of them occurring in the bedroom. (Here are more winter dangers to watch out for.) Lieutenant Thomas Murphy of the Belmont, New Hampshire Fire Department warns against leaving candles unattended, especially when they’re placed near an open window where a breeze can send the flame flying onto flammable items, and if you have pets, as they can easily knock a candle over. If you have pets, consider investing in Lucid refillable candles, which automatically extinguish when they tip sideways.