Never leave a burning candle unattended!

Safe candle use

• Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over easily, are made from a material that can’t burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax
  
• Place candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface – away from edges and any place where they could be knocked over by children or pets.
  
• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and loose clothing away from the flame
  
• Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch
  
• Extinguish candles when they burn down to within two inches of their holder or any decorative material
  
• Extinguish candles carefully. Do not leave the room until wicks have stopped glowing.
  
• Do not leave young children unattended in a room with a candle
  
  

Candles and holidays

During December, there are nearly twice as many candle fires as are averaged during the other 11 months.

• Keep candles away from natural and artificial Christmas trees
  
• Keep candles away from all holiday decorations
  
• Place burning candles where they can’t be bumped or brushed against
  
• Arrange table candles safely away from flammable centerpieces and hanging decorations
  
  

During power outages

Avoid using candles for emergency lighting.

• If your electrical service goes out, use flashlights and battery-powered lamps when possible
  
• Don’t carry lit candles
  
• Don’t use a candle for light when adding kerosene or any flammable fuel to a heater, lantern, or other device. The flame could ignite the fumes.
  
• Extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
  
  

Candles and Children

• Supervise children who are in a room with burning candles
  
• Store candles, matches, and lighters up high and out of children’s sight and reach.
  
• Don’t allow children or teens to burn candles in their bedrooms.
  
• Don’t let children play with candles or dripping wax – or with combustible materials near candles.
  
  

Reducing the risk

• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
  
• NFPA discourages the use of candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.
  
• Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn, like bedding, curtains and blinds, wallpaper, upholstered furniture, piles of clothing, newspapers, and magazines.
  
• Keep candles away from flammable liquids
  
• Place lit candles away from windows and doorways, where drafts could bring combustibles in contact with the flame.
  
  

National Fire Protection Association
Visit us online at: www.nfpa.org – www.sparky.org

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