Watch the ‘Four C’s’ of Winter Fire Risk

Children and Candles Are Among Top Threats,
Atlantic Mutual Newsletter Notes

NEW YORK, NY, (December 18, 2006) - The "four C's" present risks of fire in the home during winter months, noted Atlantic Mutual, best known for the Atlantic Master Plan insurance policy.

“The worst 10 days for home fires are between December 24 and January 6," said Atlantic Mutual President Dan Olmsted, citing statistics from the National Fire Protection Association.

To help homeowners get a fresh perspective on keeping a safe home during the holidays, Atlantic Mutual is providing advice in the winter issue of its SafetyWise consumer newsletter, which can be found at www.atlanticmutual.com or from an independent insurance professional offering the Atlantic Master Plan.

Two of the four top threats are from:

  1. Children. They have a natural fascination with light and flame. "Curiosity can kill the cat," Olmsted pointed out, "and ruin a room, a house and even a family."

  2. Candles. Christmas is the peak day for home candle fires, followed by New Year’s Day and Christmas Eve. Forty percent of home candle fires start in a bedroom.

Tips for dealing with the special fire risks with children include: storing matches and lighters properly; using child-resistant lighters; and not using flames or fire to amuse children. Candle tips include: using holders that collect wax; not carrying lit candles; and trimming wicks to the proper length.

The Atlantic Mutual newsletter includes further tips for the ‘four C’s’ of winter fire risk, including children and candles.

About The Atlantic Companies

The Atlantic Companies, also known as Atlantic Mutual, is a group of diversified financial services companies with a Wall Street heritage dating back to 1842. The group is widely known for the Atlantic Master Plan insurance program, which is designed specifically for affluent individuals and sold through a select group of independent agents. The Atlantic Companies acts as a property-casualty insurer, manages claims for commercial insurance, and helps other business partners target profitable niches in the insurance marketplace. Additional information about The Atlantic Companies and the Atlantic Master Plan can be found at www.atlanticmasterplan.com.


Contact: Peter G. Scott
Corporate Marketing & Communications
973-408-6044