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Candle Safety Rules

Candle Safety Rules

Candles are safe products, but unless they are used safely and watched carefully, they can lead to an accidental fire.

An estimated 18,000 candle fires are reported annually. According to fire experts, the bulk of candle-fire incidents are due to consumer inattention to basic fire safety or to the misuse of candles.

The National Candle Association urges consumers to be careful when burning candles and to follow these rules for burning candles safely.

1. Always keep a burning candle within sight. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.

2. Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire. Keep burning candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc.

3. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

4. Trim candlewicks to 1/4 inch each time before burning.

5. Always use a candle holder specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be heat resistant, sturdy and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.

6. Be sure the candle holder is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.

7. Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans and air currents. This will help prevent rapid, uneven burning and avoid flame flare-ups and sooting. Drafts can also blow lightweight curtains or papers into the flame where they could catch fire.

8. Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room.

9. Don't burn a candle all the way down. Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container. Discontinue burning a candle when 2 inches of wax remains or 1/2 inch in a container.

10. Never touch a burning candle or move it when the wax is liquid.

11. Never extinguish a candle with water. The water can cause hot wax to splatter and might cause a glass container to break.

12. Be careful if using candles during a power outage; flashlights are safer sources of light during a power failure. Never use a candle to look for things in a closet or when fueling equipment, such as a lantern or kerosene heater.

13. Make sure a candle is completely extinguished and the wick is no longer glowing before leaving a room.

14. Never use a candle as a night light.

15. Do not light misshapen or damaged candles. They will not burn properly and may present a safety hazard.

16. Store candles in a cool, dark, dry place. Tapers should be stored flat to prevent warping.