CANDLE SAFETY

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For many people of all ages, candles are at the center of birthdays, family occasions, religious festivals and the home itself. However candles, as with any naked flame, can be a cause of fire, especially in the home and particularly where there are children.

FOLLOW THESE FIRE AND BURN PREVENTION TIPS: (Return to Top)

• Do not purchase candles that have dried flowers or potpourri embedded in the wax or display candles in a centerpiece with foliage (those materials are flammable).
• Keep candles away from hair and combustible materials such as clothing, furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, decorations and other flammable items.
• Avoid spraying aerosols (like hair spray or air freshener) near a candle.
• Always burn candles on a flat, protected, heat-resistant surface specially designed for candle use. The holder should be big enough to collect dripping wax. A ceramic tile is a good heat resistant surface to place candles on.
• If you are to put a candle on a stove top, be sure the area is clean and free from any grease or residue
• Don't place lit candles in windows, where blinds or curtains can close on them or be blown into the flame.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Do not place lighted candles where they can be knocked over by children, pets or anyone else.
• Remember to extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Never leave a child unattended in a room and don't leave candles lit in a room in which a child is sleeping. Keep all matches and lighters up high and out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Do not carry a lit candle or use a candle to look for things in a closet or other confined space.
• Candles should not be used during a power outage, flashlights and other battery-powered lights are much safer light sources than candles.
• Do not use a candle for light when fueling equipment, such as a kerosene heater or lantern, as a flame may ignite the vapors.
• The best way to extinguish a candle is to use a special candle snuffer or candle quencher or, if not available, hold your finger in front of the flame and blow at your finger. The air will blow around the finger and extinguish the candle from both sides preventing hot wax from spattering.
• Discontinue use of a container or votive candle when 1/2 inch of the unmelted wax remains. This will prevent possible heat damage to the counter/surface and prevent glass containers from cracking or breaking. Do not burn a candle in a container that is chipped or cracked.
• Do not allow the flame to touch the sides of the container. Containers can become very hot! Handle with care.
• Extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get down to within two inches of their holders or decorations.
• Clean and trim candlewicks to 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch before lighting. Long or crooked wicks cause uneven burning and dripping. Keep candles free of wick trimmings, matches or any flammable materials that might ignite.
• Check burning candles frequently to be sure they are not burned too far down or that hot wax isn't dripping.

The safety information enclosed was compiled from the best sources available to us. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and authors cannot assume any liability for its effectiveness in every emergency situation.