Candle Safety

Candles are becoming the largest source of fires in the country.  The following information will assist in making your use of candles safer.  Most important - never leave a burning candle unattended.

·         Burn the candle for as many hours as it is wide (4" candle burns for 4 hours) to avoid overheating and wax spilling from the container.

·         Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches, or any foreign matter that could present a fire hazard.  Wicks should be trimmed to 1/4" at all times (prevents high flame which could ignite fire onto other materials around it and to prevent excessive smoke.)

·         Keep matches and burning candles away from children and pets.

·         Keep the candles away from surfaces that have curtains nearby so that a breeze or high flame won't set them on fire.

·         Never place a burning candle on or near your Christmas tree!

·         Always make sure candles are blown out before leaving home or going to bed.

·         Keep candles away from things that can burn.  Candles should be at least one foot away from clothing, curtains, furniture, greenery, or any other flammable items.  Always use a sturdy metal, glass or ceramic candleholder.

·         Avoid candles with combustible items embedded in them such as twigs, flowers or leaves.  These items can ignite and even explode, causing a fire.

·         Always use the proper type of holder for the candle.

·         Never carry a lit candle.

·         Always place the candle on a solid, level surface.

·         Never lean over a lit candle for any reason.

·         Use non-combustible candleholders only.

·         Remove all labels and tags from a candle before lighting.

·         Do not use a candle around any aerosol products such as hairspray.

·         Never allow children to light candles.

·         Do not use a jar candle if the glass is cracked or damaged.

·         Always handle jar candles carefully as the glass surface will get hot.

·         Do not allow the flame to come in to direct contact with the glass as it may cause it to crack.

·         Do not use the candle when there is less than ½" of wax remaining.

Accidents do happen, and if a fire should start, your only notice of that is from a working smoke detector.  Detectors should be on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and in every bedroom.  For added safety, consider a home fire sprinkler system.  The cost for such a system is about the same for good carpet or kitchen cabinet upgrade.  

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