Risks Associated with Lighting Candles

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Burning candles in the home is an extremely common practice, whether it is for scent, ambiance or holiday celebrations—but with the regularity of an activity like this, it can be easy to forget the fire hazards that candles can pose in the home. While small, it is important to remember that candles are still an open flame and present the same dangers that any other type of fire would when in use.

Candles are responsible for nearly 10,000 fires every single year, many of which are entirely avoidable.

Many fires caused by candles are a result of people placing them too close to flammable objects, especially if they leave the room or fall asleep while the candle is still burning. Below, we will go over some candle safety tips so you can be certain you are decorating and celebrating safely.

Top Tips for Candle Safety in the Home

While candles can be a great way to decorate your home and add pleasant scents, you should still treat them as carefully as you would any other open flame. Here are some helpful safety tips:

• Keep candles at least a foot from anything flammable, such as drapes, upholstery or blankets.
• Rely on flashlights or lanterns for light sources instead of candles in case of a power outage.
• Make sure candles are always out of reach of young children.
• Do not place candles anywhere that they could be accidentally knocked over, especially if you have pets in the house.
• Do not leave the room if a candle is burning and extinguish a candle if you think you may fall asleep.
• Trim your candle’s wick before lighting to keep the flame low and prevent it from flickering or flaring up unpredictably.
• Avoid placing your candle in a place that is drafty as this can blow the flame.

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