Fires in informal settlements and townships around Cape Town have had devastating consequences, particularly when it comes to the safety of children. In an effort to address this issue, ChildSafe South Africa has introduced an innovative solution known as the ChildSafe Safe Candle. This cost-effective and easy-to-implement solution aims to promote safer use of candles in homes, reducing the risks of fires and potential injuries. Here we explore the ChildSafe Safe Candle Innovation and share a video demonstration by Mandisa Mpama-Somhaya from the Qhanmani Educare Centre in Brown’s Farm, Philippi, Cape Town, who recently attended the ChildSafe two-day Early Childhood Development Training.
The ChildSafe Safe Candle Innovation:
The ChildSafe Safe Candle is a simple yet effective solution that uses a glass jar filled halfway with dry sand. Half of a candle is lodged securely into the dry sand, ensuring stability. This setup offers two key safety mechanisms:
Self-Extinguishing Feature: Should someone fall asleep while the candle is lit, the flame will eventually reach the dry sand, extinguishing itself automatically. This greatly reduces the risk of fires caused by unattended candles.
Accident Prevention: In case the candle is accidentally knocked over, the sand in the jar acts as a flame suppressant, instantly extinguishing the flame and preventing further damage.
Benefits of the ChildSafe Safe Candle Innovation:
The implementation of the ChildSafe Safe Candle Innovation offers several compelling benefits:
Enhanced Safety: By using the ChildSafe Safe Candle, the risk of fires and potential injuries is significantly reduced, creating a safer environment for families.
Cost-Effective Solution: The materials required for this innovation are easily accessible and affordable, making it a cost-effective option for households in informal settlements and townships.
Easy Implementation: The setup of the ChildSafe Safe Candle is simple and straightforward, allowing families to adopt this safety measure without any major complications.
Video Demonstration by Mandisa Mpama-Somhaya:
To provide you with a visual understanding of the ChildSafe Safe Candle Innovation in action, we have included a video demonstration by Mandisa Mpama-Somhaya. Mandisa attended the ChildSafe two-day Early Childhood Development Training and has implemented this solution at the Qhanmani Educare Centre in Brown’s Farm, Philippi, Cape Town. The video showcases the ease of use and effectiveness of this innovation.
Safety should be a top priority in every household, particularly when it comes to preventing fires and protecting vulnerable residents, including children. The ChildSafe Safe Candle Innovation offers an affordable and practical solution to promote candle safety in homes. By implementing this easy-to-use method, families in informal settlements and townships can minimize the risks associated with unattended or accidental candle fires. Let us work together to create safer communities and protect our children from preventable burns.