Having a candle burning in your home can add a calm, peaceful atmosphere to any room. Candles are used to enhance the ambiance and can make any home look inviting. However, as with any fire, candles can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to always practice candle safety when burning candles, and be sure to never leave a burning candle unattended.
Candle Fires
Candles are a leading cause of home fires in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. That’s why it’s so important to take precautions and keep up on candle safety.
Tragically, candle fires have increased significantly in the past decade, most likely due to the use of scented candles. The National Candle Association (NCA) recommends that you never use candles if you are tired, medicated, intoxicated, or impaired due to alcohol or drugs.
Factors to Consider Before Lighting a Candle
Candle safety is an important part of reducing the risk of fire. Before lighting a candle, there are several factors to consider.
• Follow label directions – It’s important to follow the directions on the label of any candle, including the recommended burn times and monitoring instructions. If the candle is poorly made or the wick is too large, the candle may generate a great deal of smoke and soot, which can be very dangerous in enclosed spaces.
• Keep candles away from flammable items – Always make sure to keep a burning candle away from flammable items such as curtains, furniture, books, and cloths.
• Keep candles away from children and pets – Never leave a burning candle unattended, especially if you have children or pets in the home.
• Position candles on a stable surface – It’s better to position candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces that are at least four inches away from anything that might catch fire.
• Extinguish candles safely – Always extinguish a candle before leaving the room or going to sleep. The best way to do this is by using a snuffer or dipping the wick into the melted wax pool. Never blow out a candle or use water to extinguish it.
When You Should Never Use Candles
No matter how well-versed you are in candle safety, there are certain situations in which it’s best to avoid candles altogether.
• Don’t use scented candles that are overpowering – Scented candles can be unsafe if they contain too much fragrance. Overpowering fragrances can cause headaches and asthma attacks.
• Don’t move a burning candle – Working with a burning candle can put you and others at risk, so never move a lit candle.
• Don’t place a burning candle near an open window – Wind can cause a burning candle to flare or spread, so never place them near an open window.
• Don’t use candles in drafty areas – Drafts can cause candles to burn unevenly or flare. Keep your candles away from air conditioners, drafty windows, or any other area with a strong airflow.
• Don’t light too many candles at once – Burning many candles at once can increase your chances of a fire, so try to limit the number candles you light.
Candle Burning Safety Tips
To prevent fires and protect your home, here are some important candle burning safety tips.
• Trim the wick – If the wick is too long, it can cause the flame to flare and will lead to soot buildup and smoke. Trim the wick to no longer than 1/4 inch before lighting.
• Keep the candle away from drafts – Drafts can cause flickering and uneven burning. If you notice the flame flickering, move the candle to a less drafty spot.
• Make sure the wick stands upright – Make sure to keep the wick upright at all times to help distribute heat evenly.
• Don’t use old or expired candles – Burn only the candles that are intended for burning. don’t burn those that are old or expired, as they can be a fire hazard.
• Keep candles away from flammable items – Never leave burning candles unattended and make sure to keep them away from anything that might catch fire.
• Never leave a candle unwatched – If you need to leave the room, blow out the candle first.
Candles can be a beautiful and inviting addition to any home. However, if they’re not used properly, they can also be very dangerous. Be sure to always practice candle safety when burning candles and never leave a burning candle unattended. Follow these safety tips and you can enjoy your candles safely for years to come.
