Candle Safety

With the increase in popularity of candles, evidenced by the proliferation of specialized retail stores, the number of house fires started from candles has also risen. In fact, candles are one of the leading causes of house fires and they account for some of the more costly losses when it comes to homeowner’s claims. Its important to take candle safety seriously, as even a small candle flame is still an open flame in your home and has devastating potential.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, fires caused by candles have reached at 20-year high, and injuries, deaths and property losses from candle fires continue to soar. “Candle fires peak on Christmas day—they accounted for 10 percent of home fires on Christmas 1999—followed by New Year's Day and Christmas Eve,” according to a recent NFPA report. “The most common item first ignited by a candle is a mattress or bedding, except in December when decorations are the most common first item.”

Here are some tips to make burning candles less of a risk:
Keep all burning candles out of reach from children and pets
Keep candles clear of flammable objects including fabrics, paper, lamp shades, plants, etc.
Extinguish all candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Nearly half of candle-caused fires are a result of leaving them unattended.
Always burn candles on sturdy, heat-resistant surfaces like ceramic tile
Trim candlewicks to 1/4” before you light each time
Always burn candles in well-ventilated rooms
Never let the wick burn all the way down to the holder or container; extinguish when 1 inch of wax remains
Extinguish pillar candles when they get down to within 2 inches of their holders or decorations
Hand-form wax at the candle’s top inward while the candle is warm and pliable in order to contain the wax pool
Place candles at least 3 inches apart from one another
During power failure, flashlights are a much safer alternative to candles
Never use a candle as a light source when checking a pilot light
Never use a candle as a source of light in a small space like a closet
Never use a candle as a source of light around gasoline-powered equipment, such as in a garage
When burning wax tarts, never use electronic burners or simmering pots
Do not allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms
Keep candles away from drafts, vents and open windows
Keep foreign objects out of the liquid wax such as wick trimmings, matches, etc.

This list is not all-inclusive and particular precautions may not be appropriate in all circumstances. You are encouraged to use good judgment.
 
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