Cautious Candle Burning: Protect Your Home and Yourself When Lighting Up

Candles are not in short supply come the holiday season. During Chanukah, candles are an integral component of celebrating the miracle of oil that burned in the Temple for eight days. Celebrants of Kwanzaa utilize candles to represent the seven principles of the holiday. Christians light candles during Christmas services and in their homes to represent the light Jesus brought to the world.

There is no denying the warmth and beauty candles can bring to a home when they are flickering delicately. But candles have open flames, so caution must reign supreme when they are in use. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says 85 percent of candle fires can be prevented by following some key safety precautions. The National Fire Protection Association says Christmas is the most dangerous day for candle fires. Here is how to burn candles safely.

• Always trim wicks to 1/4-inch before burning candles. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring.

• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

• Use candle holders that are sturdy and will not tip over easily.

• Use a long match or long lighter to light candles to prevent fingers and hands from getting too close to the flames.

• Run used matches under water to cool them down and prevent fires from occurring after matches are disposed in the trash.

• Never leave a candle unattended. It should be in sight at all times.

• Place and store candles beyond the reach of children and pets where they will be less likely to get knocked over.

• Never touch or move a candle while it is burning or while the wax is liquefied.

• Place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces.

• Keep candles away from drafts, vents and air currents.

• Follow candle manufacturers’ recommendations on burn time and proper use.

• When utilizing multiple candles, place them at least three inches apart from one another. This reduces the chances for the candles to melt one another, or create their own drafts that will cause the candles to burn improperly.

• Extinguish a candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly.

• Refrain from burning a candle longer than three hours at a time, and never burn a candle when there is less than one centimeter of wax at the base.

• Use a candle snuffer to safely extinguish a candle, and make sure the candle is completely out (wick ember is no longer glowing) before leaving the room.

Candles can be awe-inspiring components of holiday decor. But caution must always be the top priority when lighting candles inside a home.