Candles and Fire Safety

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Use long matches or a long reach lighter to light your candle.

Candles bring a special calming nature. One-third of home candle fires start in the bedroom, and more than half of these fires are from being too close to other materials. Candle safety is vital for staying safe from fires at home. 

Basic Candle Care

1. Keep candle wicks to ¼ inch in length or less
2. Follow candle manufacturer instructions if available
3. Place candles on a flat and sturdy service
4. Do not burn a candle if medical oxygen is in use
5. Keep candles away from pets and children

Lighting and Burning Candles

1. Use candle holders 
2. Use long matches or a long reach lighter to light your candle.
3. When lighting a candle, ensure hair is put back and loose fit clothing is pulled back as well.
4. Keep lit candles 12” away, or more, from any other materials 
5. Keep lit candles away from drafts, vents or air currents.
6. Do not move candles while they are lit.
7. Don’t burn candles too far down. Typically, a candle should not be used after ½ inch is only left, for pillar candles, the length should not be less than 2 inches.
8. If burning multiple candles at once, ensure they are at least three inches apart. Doing so will ensure the candles burn properly.  

Extinguishing a candle

1. When putting a candle out, use a candle snuffer.
2. Don’t use water to put a candle out as water can cause splattering.
3. Put candles out when leaving the room or when going to sleep.

These candle fire safety tips should come in quite handy. These are preventive measures to keep your home safe from candle fires.