CANDLE SAFETY TIPS

The National Fire Protection Association reports that candle fires account for an estimated 5% of all home fires. In 2002, candles were the cause of 18,000 reported home fires, resulting in 130 civilian deaths, 1350 civilian injuries, and an estimated $333 million in direct property loss.

• Place candles in sturdy, nonflammable holders (metal, glass, ceramic) that are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Always keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
• Always attend burning candles. Extinguish all candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Do not carry a lit candle during a power outage; use a flashlight instead.
• Keep candle wicks trimmed to ¼ inch and extinguish when the flame gets too high. Once the candle cools down, re-trim the wick to ¼ inch. This keeps the candle burning slower and with less smoke.
• Do not use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree.
• Consider using flameless candles. This alternative to traditional candles allows you to enjoy the glow of a real candle without the hazards of smoke, melting wax, or fire. Battery-powered flameless candles can be practically indistinguishable from real candles to the casual observer, with options including real wax, flickering glow, and a variety of pleasing scents.