Candles are lit throughout the year but mainly during the winter months. Burning candles safely is important to reduce the risk of a fire. December happens to be the peak month for fires resulting from lit candles. But, this doesn’t mean that you can’t burn them. Continue reading to find out how you can safely enjoy your candles all while staying safe.
Tips for Burning Candles Safely
Here are some fire safety tips for open flame candles:
- Never leave candles unattended. When you light your candles, make sure that you remain nearby so you can keep an eye on the flame. If you happen to notice that the candle’s flame is too high, or begins to flicker, put the candle out.
- Keep pets and children away. If you have children or pets in the home, be sure to keep any lit candles away from them. Never put a child asleep next to a lit candle. Don’t forget to keep matches and lighters away from children as well.
- Avoid clutter. Never place your candles near clutter while they are lit. They should only be placed on a heat-resistant, strong surface that is away from everything else. All types of candles, votives included, should be kept away from other flammable items. Many candle fires begin when they are placed too close to flammable items.
- Keep wicks trimmed. Wicks that are long or distorted will not burn properly. Instead, they will flare up, drip, or burn unevenly. To ensure your candle wick burns properly, consider using a wick trimmer to trim your wick before each use. Your wick should be kept at ¼’’ for every use.
- Pay attention to the warning label. All candles come with warning labels. Be sure to pay attention to this label with specifications about the burn time and using the candle properly. Every candle is not the same. Some candles should not be lit for more than 3 hours at a time.
- Discard when necessary. Never burn a candle all the way to the bottom. This poses a great fire hazard. Instead, discard it when there is about two inches of unmelted wax remaining in freestanding candles and ½’’ in container candles. Don’t expect your candle to go out on its own.
- Purchase high-quality candles. Another important tip to remember is to spend a little bit more money and invest in higher-quality candles. Try not to purchase cheap candles, since they don’t last very long and aren’t as fragrant as the more expensive ones.
- Consider flameless candles. Besides open-wick candles, you may want to try alternatives such as flameless candles. Other options include plug-ins and candle warmers. Flameless candles resemble real candles and are fragrant as well. By using these you won’t have to worry about them potentially catching fire.
The holidays are a great time to gather with family and friends and relax with a few candles. Candles are a part of what makes your special holiday events even more magical. But, when using real candles, be sure to take the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.