FLAMES FOR LIGHT 



209 



d. Electrical devices and wiring. 



e. Oily rags and other rubbish. 



Matches. In the United States half a million flames 

 are produced with matches on an average every minute. 

 Every bare flame has the possibilities of serious conse- 

 quences. Our chief concern in the house as regards matches 

 is to keep them away from children who are too young 

 to realize the danger, and from rats and mice, which are 

 known at times to cause fires by gnawing the match heads. 

 Nearness to heated pipes or flues at times ignites matches. 

 Protection against ani- 

 mals is secured by in- 

 closing in a covered 

 metal or earthenware 

 box. This will also 

 smother the flame 

 quickly if set on fire 

 from a near-by source 

 of heat. Placing on a 

 high shelf or in a locked 

 closet or drawer is usu- 

 ally sufficient protection 

 against the small child. 



Flames for light. - 

 The candle, kerosene 

 lamp, and gas flame are 

 common sources of dan- 

 ger in the home. The 

 candlestick and lamp should have a low center of gravity and 

 a broad base to guard against tipping over. Unprotected 

 paper or cloth shades for candles are extremely dangerous. 

 A mica chimney should separate the flame from the shade. 



H.-WHIT. CIV. SCI. IN THE HOME 14 



Which lamp is the greater fire hazard ? 



