According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the top-three days of the year for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn. If you’re planning on using candles for home decoration this holiday season, following these tips will help reduce the risk of those candles starting a dangerous fire:
- Keep lit candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn, including furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, and flammable decorations. Nearly half of candle fires are caused by candles placed too close to flammable objects, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Keep lit candles in sight, and blow them out when you leave a room or home, or when you go to bed.
- When you use candles, place them in a sturdy, safe candle holder that will not burn or tip over.
- Keep candles out of reach of children and pets who could be burned by the flame or knock the candle over, causing a fire.
- Keep candles away from drafts, vents, fans, and other causes of fast-moving air.
- Don’t burn a candle all the way down; put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container
- Light candles carefully; keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame
- Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home
- Don’t use candles during a power outage, instead, use flashlights or battery-powered lighting
Your safety is a top priority for The Insurance Center. When you use traditional candles for home decor, please follow the above candle safety tips this holiday season, take precautions and use good judgment. We look forward to helping keep you and your family safe by providing the insurance coverage for all your home needs. You can reach us at (252) 637-4173, online at https://www.ticnc.com/homeowners-insurance/, or any of our social media channels.
Source: https://ludela.com/blogs/news/5-tips-for-holiday-candle-safety and https://www.veolianorthamerica.com/11-candle-safety-tips