 |
The most important thing you can do to prevent candle-caused fires is to remember to snuff candles out when you leave the room, go to bed, or leave your home. Always be attentive whenever candles are burning. Other simple precautions can help reduce your chances of having a candle fire:
• |
Put candles in a safe location away from children, pets, and flammable materials. |
• |
Keep candles away from drafts to prevent rapid, uneven burning and excessive smoke. |
• |
Before lighting a new or used candle, always trim the wick to 1/4 inch to prevent the candle from smoking. If you see the candle is smoking or that the flame is growing too large during use, extinguish the candle, trim the wick, and re-light. |
• |
Use only sturdy candleholders that will securely hold the candle and large enough to collect the dripping wax, which also is a fire hazard. |
• |
Limit burning time. In general, it is best to keep candles lit for no more than four hours at a time. |
Following these tips, as well as any instructions printed on your candleholders, will help you enjoy the special atmosphere that candles bring to your home!
| |
