Candle Safety

It's been a long day. As you unwind at home, you light a few candles and put on some music. It's the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and as you melt into your leather recliner your thoughts quickly transition into dreams. All of a sudden you are jolted out of your peaceful cocoon to the sounds of your fire alarm and a house full of smoke. As the fire trucks arrive, you watch as your beautiful home is doused with gallons of water and foam, leaving behind thousands of dollars in damage and headaches.

Sound like a nightmare? Well unfortunately it isn't. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), in 2005, candles caused over 15,000 fires, 150 deaths, and over 539 million in estimated damages. What is even more startling is that the number of candle related fires has doubled since 1990. Candles create a desired ambiance that is especially appealing over the holiday season. Every year Christmas and Hanukah candles are brought out of basement hiding places and thrust into already crowded apartments and homes. The result is disastrous and often deadly. Home candle fires are worst during the Christmas season with December being a notoriously dangerous month.

But what makes candles so risky and dangerous? The answer is simple. It's the risk of the open flame. In our busy and hectic lifestyles, candles are often lit and then disregarded or left unattended in a separate room. Pets (especially cats) are drawn to the candles' glow, knocking them onto floors and into wastebaskets where fires immediately begin. By the time you smell the smoke it is often too late. Candles are also especially dangerous if they are next to curtains or other flammable objects. Drafty windows can blow curtains into the candle's open flame causing them to ignite. Unfortunately, using candles wisely is the last thing most people think about----- but according to fire safety experts, it should be the first.

While you don't have to condemn your beloved candles to the dumpster, using candles wisely will allow you to enjoy them without risking your safety. If you choose to light candles, do so in an open area away from crowded bookshelves and countertops. Candles should be at least 12 inches away from the nearest object including people; after all, hair and clothing are extremely flammable.

Never light candles in an unattended bedroom or bathroom. Too many fires have been started by toilet paper in wastebaskets catching on fire, or bedding being engulfed by flames. Never leave a lit candle alone in a room with a pet or a young child. Accidents can happen in a matter of seconds and using candles wisely is the easiest way to prevent them.

Before you light your candles, make sure that the wick is trimmed and kept no longer than 5-7mm to reduce the size of the flame. Whenever possible use a glass chimney or container for the candle and always make sure that all candleholders are sturdy and balanced. When it is time to put out a candle, use a candlesnuffer to avoid splattering hot wax around and never burn candles all the way down. Always discard candles when 2 inches of wax still remains.

If the risk of open flame is too great, or if you know that you will be unable to monitor it, a flameless candle is an excellent option. These electric battery powered candles look like real candles but without the risk and they allow you to create that warm holiday glow safely. Flameless candles come in all colors, shapes and sizes---- even wall sconces.

If you do choose to burn the real thing, make sure you are using candles wisely. While there is no doubt that candles offer beautiful lighting, the risk often overshadows the reward. Don't be one of the 15,000 Americans who learn candle safety the hard way.