A candle provides tranquility and gives special beauty. Candle products are generally safe, but unless they are used safely and with extra precautions, candles can be a potential fire hazard that may cause big damages in your life and properties. Candle fires are approximately 4 percent f the U.S. fires recorded. At least 85 percent of candle fires could have been avoided if lighted candles were used with extra precautions.
Below are some guidelines in burning candles safely:
- Make sure that a burning candle is always within sight. Extinguish all candles before leaving it even for just a while or before going to bed.
- Do not burn a candle near any combustible materials like paper documents, curtains, bed sheets, rags, stuffed toys, and many more. Avoid placing a lighted candle on top of wooden furniture; it may cause a fire if the candle accidentally fell off.
- Keep candles away from children and pets. Make sure that they are not within reach and they don’t play with matches and lighters.
- Candlewicks should be trimmed to at least ¼ inch to avoid dripping and uneven burning.
- Use a candle holder meant to hold lighted candles. Make sure that they are stable, big and heat-resistant. Placing lighted candles on other surfaces like wood and glass may cause heat damage or even fire.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on how to use the candle. Make sure to follow their time instructions as well.
- Keep lighted candles away from fans, vents, drafts and air current. They may bring papers near the candles. It will also prevent rapid burning of your candles. Burn a candle in a well-ventilated room.
- Do not burn the candle all the way down. Replace it even before it reaches the candle holder.
- Use extra precaution when using candles during brownouts. Do not use the candle when looking something in the closet r under the bed. Also do not use it to light a kerosene heater or lantern.
- When leaving the room, make sure that the candle is completely extinguished and ensure that the wick is not glowing anymore.
- Extinguish the candle if the flame gets high, flickers repeatedly or if it smokes.
- Do not use the candle as a dim light during bed time.