Candle Safety

For the holiday season, some general tips on Candle Safety.  A sad number of homes burn down over the holidays.

• Keep candles a minimum of 1 foot, in all directions, from flammable and combustible items such as curtains or bedding.  Make sure curtains cannot be blown over the candle by wind.
• Place candles on secure furniture and out of the reach of children and pets.
• Only burn candles while under constant adult supervision.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Trim wicks prior to each use to within 1/4 inch from the top of the candle.
• Extinguish the flame if it burns to close to the container side.
• Place burning candles away from drafts and vents.
• Do not allow candles to burn down to the bottom of their container.  stick candles should not be allowed to burn down below 2 inches from their holder.
• Extinguish all candles before leaving the house or when going to bed.
• Avoid burning candles for more than four hours at a time.
• Avoid walking while holding a burning candle.  do not move a glass container when the wax is liquid.
• Use a flashlight rather than a candle during power outages.
• Do not use a condle for light when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern as the flame may ignite the fuel vaports.
• Secure candles in holders made of glass, ceramic, metal or other noncombustible material.
• Avoid using candles that have combustible materials embedded in them.