Guest Blogger……Morgan Barnett, Master of Public Health Degree Candidate at The University of Georgia

Many of us burn candles to make a room smell good, or just for decorative use. While candles create a calming effect, the allure of candlelight can quickly turn into a disaster if proper safety measures are not followed.  Keep yourself, your loved ones, and your house protected by following these steps, as recommended by the National Candle Association:

  • Only burn candles using a candle holder and on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
  • Before burning a candle, trim candlewicks to ¼ inch each time- this could prevent uneven dripping or burning that could increase fire risk.
  • Always keep a burning candle within eyesight and blow it out before going to sleep or leaving the room.
  • Never put a candle near anything that could possibly catch fire – keep away from furniture, curtains, bedding, carpets, paper, etc.  Over half of all candle fires start because flammable items are too close to the candle.
  • Don’t ever place burning candles where they could accidentally be knocked over by pets, children, or anyone else.
  • Burn candles in a well-ventilated room but keep them away from drafts, ceiling fans, and air vents at all times.

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Consider switching to battery-operated candles. They look like real candles and are much safer.  Some even put off a scent.   Can you tell which one of these candles is lit by fire and which one is battery-operated?

The U.S. Fire Administration has more candle safety tips

One response to “Candle Safety – Prevent an Accidental Fire”

  1. Fire preventing candles Avatar

    Candles are used to make the decoration more attractive. It needs a lot of attention while using it. Make sure to keep burning a good distance from other objects, especially flammable and combustible items or liquids.

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