The New Jersey Division of Fire Safety (NJDFS) is urging residents to practice safe use of appliances and candles this Valentine's Day to prevent potential fire hazards. Richard Mikutsky, director of NJDFS and State Fire Marshal, emphasized the importance of safety during celebrations. "Valentine's Day is a wonderful occasion to show those special to us how much we love and appreciate them. There is no better way to do that than by showing we care about their safety by not putting them at risk, such as a fire," he stated.
Mikutsky advised close attention when cooking special meals for the holiday, highlighting that nearly half (49%) of all home fires in the United States start with cooking equipment, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Negligence while cooking is the leading cause of fires and accounts for fifty percent of fire-related deaths.
To avoid fires associated with food preparation, Mikutsky offered several prevention tips. He also noted that candles are popular for creating a pleasant atmosphere but warned they can easily ignite flammable materials. "People like using candles for celebrations because they are nice to look at and create a cozy atmosphere," he said. "However, candles produce live flames, which means they can easily ignite anything that can burn."
Mikutsky recommended battery-operated candles as a safer alternative that provides the same ambiance without the risk of fire. For those who prefer real candles, he suggested taking specific precautions to prevent fires.
Additionally, NJDFS encourages residents to ensure their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly and to design and practice an escape plan in case of fire.
The Division of Fire Prevention serves as New Jersey's central firefighting authority. It is responsible for developing and enforcing the State Uniform Fire Code, promoting public participation in community risk reduction strategies, assisting in firefighter preparedness, and conducting firefighter training programs.
Beyond fire prevention efforts, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) offers various programs and services including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, building safety planning and development communities recovery disaster mitigation information privacy.
