Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of home fires and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn. 

Candle with Care

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep. 

• Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.

• Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.

 If you burn candles, make sure that you…

• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily. 

• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.

• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.

• Don’t burn a candle all the way down – put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.

• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.

• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.
  

Candles and Kids

Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach, in locked cabinet. 

FACTS

•  December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.

• Roughly one-third of home fires started in the bedroom.

• More than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle.