Valentine’s Day is a time for candlelit dinners and home-cooked meals, but without proper precautions, these romantic gestures can turn dangerous.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urges couples to celebrate safely by keeping a close eye on cooking and using candles with caution.

“If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day at home this year, your plans likely include a special meal and candles,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Our goal is to help ensure that everyone enjoys the holiday with fire safety in mind.”

COOKING: A LEADING CAUSE OF HOME FIRES

Cooking remains the top cause of reported home fires and fire-related injuries year-round, according to NFPA. Unattended cooking plays a role in nearly 29% of reported home cooking fires and accounts for half of the associated deaths.

To prevent kitchen mishaps, NFPA advises:

• Staying in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food.
• Creating a three-foot “kid and pet-free zone” around the stove.
• Keeping a lid nearby to smother small grease fires by sliding it over the pan and turning off the burner.
• Using a timer to avoid distractions while cooking.

CANDLE SAFETY: PREVENTING UNNECESSARY RISK

Candles, while a staple of Valentine’s Day ambiance, are a leading cause of home fires. NFPA data shows that half of all candle fires start when flammable objects — such as bedding, curtains, furniture or clothing — are placed too close to an open flame. In 21% of home candle fires, the candle was either left unattended or misused. Bedrooms are the most common setting, accounting for 36% of candle-related fires.

Battery-operated flameless candles offer a safer alternative while still providing the warm glow of real flames. However, if traditional candles are a must, NFPA recommends:

• Avoiding lit candles in bedrooms, bathrooms, and sleeping areas.
• Using stable candle holders and placing candles where they cannot be easily knocked over.
• Keeping candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn.
• Ensuring hair and loose clothing stay clear of flames.
• Extinguishing candles before they burn down too close to the holder or container.
• Storing matches and lighters out of children’s reach in a locked cabinet.
• Never leaving a burning candle unattended and blowing out flames before leaving a room or going to bed.

NFPA also reminds the public to install and maintain working smoke alarms and practice home escape plans.

For more fire safety tips, visit NFPA’s cooking and candle safety pages.