Candle Safety

Nationally, fires caused by candles have increased 300% since 1990. Because candles are sold everywhere, people may assume they are safe and become complacent about their use.

The National Fire Protection Association Educational Division recommends the following precautions when using candles:

1. Extinguish all candles before going to sleep or leaving the room.
2. Do not permit children to keep or use candles or incense in their rooms. Candles should only be used when an adult is present and awake.
3. Never use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree or other evergreens.
4. Keep candles at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including other decorations and wrapping paper.
5. Always use stable, non-flammable candle holders with a hurricane glass to protect the open flame.
6. Place candles where they will not be knocked down or blown over and out of reach of pets and young children.
7. If you have children in your home, store candles, matches and lighters  in a locked cabinet out of their sight and reach.
8. To eliminate the risk of an open candle flame, use battery-powered candles, especially when you combine candles with greenery or other decorations.