With cooler nights upon us, more people tend to light candles to create a cozy environment. Unfortunately, more lit candles increase the chance of fires. Studies show that three of every five home candle fires happen when a candle is placed too close to something that is flammable.
Follow these tips to enjoy candles without any worries:
- Keep children and pets away from candle flames.
- When lighting candles, keep your hair and any loose-fitting clothing away from the flame.
- Blow out candles when you leave the room or home for any reason and before going to sleep.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended: Always extinguish a candle when you leave a room or before going to bed.
- Place candles on a heat-resistant surface and at least 12 inches away from anything that can catch fire.
- Use proper candle holders: Ensure candles are in sturdy holders that won’t tip over easily.
- Trim the wick: Before lighting, trim the wick to ¼ inch to prevent excessive flame.
- Monitor burning time: Don’t burn a candle for more than 4 hours at a time.
- Extinguish properly: Use a candle snuffer to blow out the flame, avoiding hot wax splatters.
- Keep out of reach: Store candles where children and pets cannot access them.
- Avoid drafts: Place candles away from air vents, ceiling fans, and open windows to prevent flickering.
- Check for damage: Discard candles with cracked or damaged containers.
- Consider the environment: Opt for natural wax candles with minimal added chemicals.