Candle Safety

Burning candles can create a warm atmosphere on those dreary winter days, however, if certain precautions are not taken candles can pose a significant residential fire concern.

Safety tips:

Lit candles should not be left unattended. They should be extinguished before you leave a room, your home, take a nap or retire for the evening.
Most candle fire incidents result from inattention or misuse. Keep away from books, paper, furniture, bedding, carpets, drapes, plastic or anything flammable. Also, keep away from drafts.
Use candle holders that securely grip the candle so that it won't tip over or drip wax onto unprotected surfaces.
Candles should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Ensure the candle is sitting on non-flammable surface to collect any wax drippings.
Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holder or decorative material.
Votives and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.
The safest ways to put out a candle is by using a candle snuffer. It prevents hot wax from splattering.

During power outages:

Try to avoid carrying a lit candle. Don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space.
Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lights or fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes.