CPSC Document #5063

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that fires can start when flammable materials touch a nightlight. In an average year, CPSC receives about 10 reported incidents where nightlights were cited as being responsible for fires where flammable materials, such as bed spreads, pillows, and toilet paper were ignited. It appears that these nightlights were so close to a bed that falling pillows or blankets were able to touch the hot bulb of the nightlight and start a fire.

To reduce the chance of fire:

• Locate nightlights away from beds where the bulb might touch flammable materials.
• Look for nightlights that bear the mark of recognized testing laboratory.
• Consider using nightlights that have cooler, mini neon bulbs instead of four or seven watt bulbs.