If you burn candles in your home, you need to read this article! We looked up the statistics, and on average, there are 21 home candle fires reported each day just in the United States. This comes straight from the National Park Service, which claims there are an average of 7,160 home fires started by candles every year.
Out of the 7k+ home fires started by candles, 81 civilian deaths occur on average. That’s a sad reality, and it can scare some into avoiding candles altogether. After all, you can simply use a candle warmer to spice up your home with a pleasant scent.
Still, if you want to burn candles in your home, read this article and follow these safety tips to prevent a fire. This is especially important for those of you with children and pets. Many candle fires come from pets knocking them over.
Never Leave Candles Unattended
The cardinal rule of candle safety is to never leave them unattended. Whether you’re leaving the room for a few minutes or going to bed, extinguish all candles to eliminate the risk of an uncontrolled fire. Assign someone the responsibility of monitoring candles during gatherings or events.
Keep Candles Away from Flammable Materials
Maintain a safe distance between candles and flammable materials such as curtains, bedding, or paper. This precautionary measure prevents accidental ignition and reduces the risk of a fire spreading rapidly.
Use Stable Candle Holders
Ensure that candles are placed in stable and non-combustible holders. This prevents them from tipping over easily, reducing the likelihood of wax spills or contact with flammable surfaces.
Trim Candle Wicks
Trimming candle wicks to approximately ¼ inch before lighting them prevents uneven burning and reduces the risk of sparks or embers that could lead to a fire. Longer wicks can cause flames to become too large and erratic.
Choose Safe Locations
Select safe locations for placing candles, keeping them away from drafts, vents, or air currents that may cause flames to flicker excessively. This reduces the risk of curtains or other nearby items coming into contact with the flame.
Opt for Flameless Alternatives
Consider using flameless candles, especially in areas where a traditional open flame may pose a higher risk. LED or battery-operated candles can replicate the ambiance without the inherent dangers associated with an open flame.
Use Candle Holders with Shades
When using candles with open flames, opt for holders with shades or chimneys. These accessories provide an additional layer of protection, minimizing the risk of accidental contact with the flame.
Example Candle Holder with Chimney
Glass Cylinder Candleholder, Chimney Tube, Open Ended Candle Shade
Keep Candles Out of Reach of Children and Pets
Children and pets are naturally curious, and the allure of a dancing flame may attract them. To prevent accidents, place candles out of their reach, and educate them about the importance of candle safety.
Extinguish Candles Properly
When extinguishing candles, use a snuffer or gently blow on the flame to avoid hot wax splatter. Never use water to extinguish candles, as it can cause splattering and increase the risk of accidents.
Be Mindful of Burning Time
Limit the burning time of candles to avoid potential hazards associated with prolonged use. Extinguish candles when they have burned down to within two inches of the holder or base.
Create a Candle Safety Plan
Establish a candle safety plan for your household. Communicate the rules and precautions to all family members, emphasizing the importance of responsible candle use and the potential consequences of neglecting safety guidelines.
Invest in Fire Safety Equipment
Prepare for the unexpected by having fire safety equipment readily available. Keep a fire extinguisher in an accessible location, and ensure smoke detectors are installed and regularly maintained throughout your home.
Educate House Guests
If you’re hosting guests, make sure they are aware of your candle safety guidelines. Politely communicate the rules, and encourage responsible candle use to minimize the risk of accidents during their visit.
Regularly Check Smoke Detectors
Maintain and regularly test smoke detectors in your home. Functional smoke detectors provide early warnings in the event of a fire, giving you and your family valuable time to evacuate safely.
Conclusion
Candles may very well be a fire hazard, but you can take precautions to ensure a fire never gets out of hand. From some common-sense ideas like never leaving a candle unattended, to smarter tactics like creating a candle safety plan for everyone in the home to follow.
We sincerely hope you take candle safety seriously, as the statistics we mentioned at the beginning of this article are very serious and very real. A lot of fires occur each year from candles being left unattended or getting knocked over.
