Safety Tips for Using Candles

Candles are a popular way to create warmth and ambience in a home. However, improper use of candles can cause fire hazard. According to National Fire Protection Association Journal, fires caused by candles have more than doubled in the last decade. But most of these candle fires can be prevented with observation of basic fire safety rules and some simple common sense, otherwise known as “candle” sense.

Here are some useful tips:

1. It is only wise to use candle when you are in the house and can keep an eye on it. Often, unattended candles can trigger off fires with its open flames. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.

2. If you have children or pets, keep burning candles away from them.

3. It also follows that you should keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Drawers with safety catches are a good place to store your lighting supplies.

3. Is your burning candle within anything flammable? That include furniture, curtains, beddings, carpets, any paper products and flammable decorations. Make sure that the candle is at least one foot away.

4. Long candlewick produces uneven burning and bigger open flames. Check that it is no more longer than ¼ inch each time before lighting it.

5. Never place candle in candle holder that is not heat resistant. On top of that, make sure it is sturdy and big enough to catch any candle dripping.

6. If a container is used, make sure it’s not made of combustible materials like plastic or wood.

7. A lot of times, candles tip over because of the uneven surfaces they are placed on. Be wise, place candleholder on sturdy, even surfaces.

8. Logic demands that we place candles away from drafts, vents, open windows and ceiling fans. Drafts can cause rapid and uneven burning of candles causing flame flare-ups and even sooting. It can also blow light weight materials in the path of the open flames and create fire.

9. As always, read and follow instructions that come with the candles. Don’t burn the candles longer than what the manufacturer recommends. Most candles have a limit of 4 hours.

10. Candle should not left to burn all the way down. For safety reasons, discard candles once it has only 2 inches left of wax. If it is in a container, the safety margin is ½ inch.

11. Candles may look nice and inviting when group together but it can present a fire risk. Place candles at least 3 inches away from each other so they don’t melt into each other and create their own drafts.

12. Sometimes the flames smoke, flicker repeatedly or become too big. Extinguish the flame to prevent the open flame from getting out of hand. Once the candle is cooled, trim the wick (refer to #4) and relight it.

13. Do not attempt to touch a burning candle or try to move any candle container while the wax is hot.

14. Keep the wax pool free of stray wick trimmings and debris to prevent any combustion.

15. The candle is for purely aesthetic purposes. As such, they should not be used as light lights, or a source of light during a power failure. Neither should it be used as a light source to help you search for things in the closet. Use flashlight or other battery-powered lights.

16. To extinguish a burning flame, use a candle snuffer — that will prevent the liquid wax from splattering.

17. When buying candles, make sure embedded objects are non-combustible.

18. Some candles are safer than others – check CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) website to see what candles have been recalled.