Candles are a beautiful addition to any home, enabling you to enhance both ambiance and comfort (particularly during the cold season) within your living space. However, if not handled properly, candles can pose a significant fire hazard, leading to devastating fire damage.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), burning candles are the primary cause behind thousands of residential fires each year, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage. Here’s a post that shares 5 safety practices that will help you prevent the risk of candle-related fires and keep your home and loved ones safe.
5 Essential candle safety tips to follow in 2024
1. Choose the right candle
When it comes to candle safety, selecting the appropriate type of candle is the first step in minimizing fire risks. Opt for high-quality, sturdy candles made from non-combustible materials such as soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin. Avoid candles with excessively long or thin wicks – as these can lead to uneven burning, candles that are tall or narrow – as these are prone to tipping over and candles that are large or wide – as they generate excessive heat.
Additionally, refrain from using candles with decorative elements like dried flowers or leaves, as they can ignite and increase the likelihood of a candle fire. When purchasing candles, choose ones that come in secure containers or holders to prevent accidental spills or tipping.
2. Pick a safe place
Before lighting a candle, ensure that it’s placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials such as curtains, paper, or furniture. Avoid placing candles near drafts or air vents, as these can cause the flames to flicker and increase the risk of ignition.
No matter how safe a spot you choose to place a burning candle, make sure to extinguish it completely when you no longer need its light. Use a candle snuffer or a metal lid to smother the flames gently, ensuring that no embers or hot wax remain. Never attempt to extinguish candles with water, as this can cause splattering and spread the fire.
Learn More: 5 Preventive Measures To Take Against Electrical Fire Damage In Your Property In Philadelphia
3. Keep candles away from children and pets
Children and pets are naturally curious and may inadvertently come into contact with burning candles, increasing the risk of not only fire-related accidents but also grievous injuries. As a precautionary rule, keep candles out of reach of children and pets at all times. Place candles in elevated locations such as mantels, shelves, or sturdy tables where they cannot be easily accessed or knocked over.
Additionally, educate children about the dangers of playing with candles and teach them to respect fire safety rules. Consider using flameless LED candles as a safer alternative, especially in households with young children or pets.
4. Know when to stop burning candles
Another crucial candle safety fact is knowing when to extinguish them to prevent fire damage. Avoid burning candles all the way down to the bottom of the container, as this can cause the glass or holder to overheat and crack, potentially leading to a candle fire. Instead, extinguish candles once they reach within two inches of the base to ensure safe burning and prevent accidents.
Also pay attention to signs like excessive flickering, smoking, or uneven burning; if a candle exhibits any of these warning signs, extinguish it immediately to prevent the risk of fire damage.
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5. Practice general candle safety
Practicing overall candle safety is essential for preventing fire damage and ensuring a secure home environment. Always trim candle wicks to a quarter-inch before lighting to promote even burning and minimize soot buildup. Regularly inspect candles for damage or deterioration, and replace them before the need arises to use them. Avoid overcrowding candles in a single area, as this can increase the likelihood of accidental contact and potential fire damage. Consider using candle holders or containers with wide bases to provide stability and containment for burning candles.
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While following the candle fire safety tips recommended above will help minimize the risk of a candle fire, you can never rule out the possibility of fire damage with utmost certainty. If you ever face a fire damage situation caused by burning candles in your home, reach out to us immediately. Restoration 1 of Chester County is a trusted fire damage restoration service provider serving the greater Philadelphia and Chester County areas. With our expertise and dedication, we assure you of a fire damage cleanup and restoration process that’s fully efficient and effective.
If you desire timely, responsive and professional fire damage restoration services, contact us at 610-638-7605 and restore your home with confidence. Stay safe and practice proper candle safety to prevent fire damage in your home.
