how to use candles safely

• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won't tip over easily, make sure they are made from material that can't burn, and make sure they are large enough to collect dripping wax.

• Place candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface away from edges and any place where they could be knocked over by children or pets.

• Light candles carefully. Keep you hair and loose clothing away from the flame.

• Keep candle wicks trimmed to one quarter inch.

• Extinguish candles when they burn down to within two inches of their holder or any decorative material.

• Extinguish candles carefully, using a long handled candle snuffer or a soft, directed breath.  Do not leave the room until wicks have stopped glowing.

• Fire experts discourage the use of candles in bedrooms, where almost half of all home candle fires start.  If you must burn candles in the bedroom, keep them away from bedding, curtains and blinds, wallpaper, upholstered furniture, piles of clothing, and newspapers, and magazines, and monitor them carefully. 

• Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn. 

• Keep candles sway from flammable liquids. 

• Don't place lit candles in windows or near doorways, where drafts could bring combustibles in contact with the flame.

Candle Safety During power outages

Avoid using candles for emergency lighting

• If your electrical service goes out, use flashlights and battery powered lamps when possible.

• Don't carry lit candles

• Don't use a candle for light when adding kerosene or any flammable fuel to a heater, lantern, or other device.  The flame could ignite the fumes.

• Extinguish all candles when you leave the home or go to sleep.

• Do not leave young children unattended in a room with a candle.

Candles and the Holidays

During December, more candle fires start in living rooms, dens, dining rooms, and kitchens than during the other 11 months.

• Keep candles away from natural and artificial Christmas trees.

• Keep candles away from all holiday decorations.

• Place burning candles where they can't be bumped or brushed against.

• Arrange table candles safely away from flammable centerpieces and hanging decorations.

Candles and children

• Never leave children unattended in a room with a burning candle.

• Store candles, matches, and lighters up high and out of children's sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.

• Don't allow children or teens to burn candles in their bedrooms.

• Don't let children play with candles, or dripping wax or with combustible materials near candles.