10 Essential Candle Safety Tips
Understanding Candle Safety
While a candle provides a cozy ambiance, it can also pose potential dangers if not handled correctly. Candle safety tips are important to ensure that your home remains safe and comfortable with the warm glow of your favorite fragrance.
While candles are great tools for a soothing atmosphere, they can also be quite hazardous if not utilized correctly. A candle that has been forgotten can easily become a fire risk. A wick that is too long or a candle placed too close to curtains or paper could quickly lead to a disaster. Actually, according to the National Fire Protection Association, candles are the cause of approximately 7,500 home fires each year in the United States alone. Most of these fires relate to negligence, such as allowing candles to burn without attention or putting them near flammable materials.
Here are 10 essential candle safety tips from the National Candle Association.
1. Never Leave Candle Warmers Unattended: Always check on your candle warmer. Ensure the wax is not spilling or that the flame is under control.
2. Keep Out of Reach of Kids and Pets: Burning candles should be placed on stable surfaces away from children and pets to prevent accidents.
3. Avoid Open Windows and Drafts: Protect your candle’s flame from air currents that can make it burn higher or lead to tipping.
4. Stay Away from Heat Sources: Never place candles near heat sources like stoves or refrigerators, as this can cause excessive melting.
5. Do Not Move While Burning: If you must reposition a candle, blow it out first. This prevents spills and potential fires.
6. Use Approved Candle Warmers: Verify that your candle warmer is specifically made for candles to avoid cracking or bursting.
7. Never Add Water to Warmers: Water can dilute wax and disrupt the fragrance. Stick to pure wax melts.
8. Monitor the Wax Pool: Limit to two wax melts in your warmer to avoid overflow.
9. Limit Burn Time: It’s advised not to burn candles for longer than three hours to prevent overheating.
10. Extinguish Before Leaving: Always ensure your candle is completely out before leaving a room to maintain safety.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your favorite candles without worry. Safety first means more candlelit evenings to cherish!
