Candle Safety

Candles add warmth and ambiance to our homes, but they require careful handling. A striking revelation from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that a staggering 85% of candle fires are preventable by following just three critical safety rules:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Never burn a candle on or near anything that might catch fire.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

In addition to these key safety rules, responsible candle users should follow additional guidelines to minimize risks and maximize enjoyment. To ensure your safety while enjoying the warm glow of candles, we've organized a simple set of safety recommendations into three topics:

• Proper Placement and Environment
• Lighting and Extinguishing
• Supervision and Duration

Proper Placement and Environment

Safe Placement

• Keep candles away from anything flammable (furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, decorations).
• Place burning candles at least three inches apart to prevent melting each other or creating drafts.

Ventilation and Drafts

 

• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
• Avoid drafts, vents, or air currents to prevent rapid burning, sooting, and excessive dripping.

Out of Reach

• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Place them where they can't be knocked over.

 

Lighting and Extinguishing

Proper Lighting Tools

• Use long matches or a long-reach lighter.
• Keep hair and loose clothing away from the flame.

Wick Maintenance

• Before lighting, always trim the wick to ¼ inch using a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or scissors.
• Keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches, and debris.

Safe Extinguishing

• Use a candle snuffer - it's the safest way to prevent hot wax splattering.
• Never use water to extinguish a candle.
• Ensure the candle is completely out and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving the room.

Post-Extinguishing Care

• Don't touch or move the candle until it has completely cooled.
• Never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax drippings from a glass holder.

 

Supervision and Duration

Constant Vigilance

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Never use a candle as a night light or while you may fall asleep.

Burning Duration

• Do not burn candles for longer than four hours.
• Allow candles to cool for at least two hours before relighting.

Monitoring the Burn

• Never touch or move a candle while it's burning or while the wax is liquefied.
• Don't burn a candle all the way down. Discontinue use when ½ inch remains in a container.
• Extinguish a candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly. Cool it, trim the wick, and check for drafts before relighting.

Special Circumstances

 

• Be very careful if using candles during a power outage. Flashlights and battery-powered lights are safer.
• Never use a candle during a power outage to look for things in a closet or when fueling equipment like lanterns or kerosene heaters.

 

By adhering to these guidelines, you can create a safe and relaxing atmosphere with candles. Enjoy your candles responsibly, and let their warm glow enhance your home safely.