Saturday March 31st at 8:30pm sees the start of Earth Hour 2012. Since 2007 this global event has drawn people together in a dramatic show of solidarity against the damage we’re collectively doing to our planet.

Everybody hopes that severe storms will pass harmlessly by, leaving family, friends and neighbors untouched. If you live in an area affected by violent weather it can cause disruption and inconvenience at the very least.

According to the National Candle Association, 7 out of 10 US households use candles. That’s an awful lot of candles. Apparently we’re buying more and more for their decorative and emotive qualities rather than from any practical or emergency needs.

A careless gesture, a sudden breeze or a moment of thoughtless fun are sometimes all it takes to turn a happy event into a tragedy.