Many people burn candles to make a room smell good or just for decorative effect. While candles create a calming effect, the allure of candlelight quickly can turn into a disaster if proper safety measures are not followed. To ensure safety, follow these steps from the National Candle Association:
- Only burn candles using a candle holder that is on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Before burning a candle, trim candlewicks to ¼ inch each time. This can help prevent uneven dripping or burning that could increase the risk of starting a fire.
- Always keep a burning candle within eyesight and blow it out before going to sleep or leaving the room.
- Never put a candle near anything that possibly could catch fire. Keep candles away from furniture, curtains, bedding, carpet, paper, etc. More than half of all candle fires start from flammable items being too close to the candle’s flame.
- Don’t ever place burning candles where they could be knocked over accidentally by pets, children or anyone else. Also avoid putting them on uneven surfaces.
- Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, but keep them away from drafts, ceiling fans and air vents.
- Consider switching to battery-operated candles. They look like real candles and are much safer. Some even give off a scent.
