10 Rules for Safely Burning Candles in Your Home

The candle industry has seen a surge in sales, reaching $2 billion dollars in 2006. Along with the rising popularity of burning candles in homes comes another rising statistic- the number of fires that are caused by candles. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, "Candles cause an estimated 15,600 fires in residential structures, 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in estimated direct property damage each year." Read this informative article and find out "10 Rules for Safely Burning Candles in Your Home" that you need to know!

Rule #1 - Never Leave a Burning Candle Unattended

This is a leading cause of home fires. 40% of house fires that are caused by candles happen because they're left unattended. If you're going to burn candles in your home, only burn them in the room you're in. Bedrooms are the worst places to light candles. People light them, and then often fall asleep, leaving the candles unwatched. Nearly 50% of all home candle fires start in a bedroom!

Keep an eye on burning candles at all times to ensure they're used safely. And, before you leave the room, put the candles completely out. That is, make sure the wick ember isn't glowing red before you leave the room.

Rule #2 - Use Only Heat-Resistant Candleholders That Contain the Melted Wax

Another rule for safely burning candles in your home is to use proper holders that can withstand the heat without cracking or breaking. Avoid using homemade candle holders like metal lids or plates. Use only holders that are designed for burning candles. The best candleholders contain the melted wax so it can't drip on flammable items.

Rule #3 - Keep Burning Candles Away From Children and Pets

Don't put burning candles where children and pets can play with them, or knock them over and start a fire. Don't let children light, or otherwise mess with candles. Store candle lighters and matches far out of the reach of children.

Rule #4 - Burn Candles a Clear Distance From Flammable Items

Another rule for safely burning candles in your home is to place them a safe distance away from flammable items. Place candles at least a foot away from cabinets, furniture, curtains, drapes, rugs, carpets, clothing, bedding, paper and other flammable items before burning them. And place them on heat-resistant surfaces.

Rule #5 - Extinguish Burning Candles in Your Home Properly

While you may be tempted to blow burning candles out, or sprinkle them with water, one of the best ways to extinguish candles is to use a snuffer. A candle snuffer safely smothers the flame without splashing hot, dangerous wax. Using water to extinguish a burning candle can also cause hot glass to shatter.

Or, you can use a wick dipper. This metal hook allows you to push the candle wick into the melted wax, safely extinguishing the flame. You then pull the wick back up. Another bonus in using a wick dipper is, there's no smoke after the candle's extinguished, and the wick won't become brittle because it's repeatedly dipped in the melted wax.

Rule #6 - Prepare the Candles in Your Home Burning Them

Before you light a candle, trim its wick down with scissors or fingernail clippers so it's no more than a quarter of an inch long. That way, the candle should burn safely and evenly. Wicks that are too long can make high, dangerous flames.

Rule #7 - Avoid Burning Candles in Your Home During Power Outages

Using flashlights, battery-powered lanterns and the like is the safest way to light your home during power outages. Burning candles during outages is dangerous, especially if you use them to see when you're trying to light propane or kerosene heaters.

Rule #8 - Keep Burning Candles Away From Drafts and Breezes

Another rule for safely burning candles in your home is to place them in a location that's protected from drafts and breezes. Air movements can make the flame burn too high and out-of-control. They can also blow flammable items like paper, curtains and drapes into the candle flame where they can ignite and cause a house fire.

Rule #9 - Read and Follow the Manufacturer's Directions Before Burning Candles in Your Home

Burning a candle is an easy task that most anyone can do. But, to do it safely and help avoid a house fire, read the literature/directions that came with it first.

Don't forget to remove packaging, tags, ribbons and bows, et cetera before you light a candle too.

Rule #10 - For Safety's Sake, Don't Burn Candles All the Way Down

Another rule for safely burning candles in your home is to not burn it all the way down to the bottom. Stop using it when there's two inches of wax left, or a half inch if it's in a container.

Resources

http://www.candles.org/safety_rules.html

http://www.statefarm.com/learning/be_safe/home/learning_besafe_athm_candles.asp

http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/safety_guide/sg_candle_w001.aspx

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/candle.shtm

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/tfrs/v1i12.pdf

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/candle.shtm