Lighting candles in your home can really make for a cozy atmosphere. But the reality is that many house fires are started each year due to candles. So how can you use candles and stay safe?
To start with, it has been recommended to trim the width of your candles a quarter inch before lighting them for the first time. This ensures that the flame does not grow too big and get out of control. Also, make sure your candle is put on a solid surface, not easily able to be knocked over by kids or pets. Do not have candles near a fan or open window where a breeze may spread the fire.
Maybe the most important thing is to not leave a candle unattended. If you leave the room, extinguish the flame. And never fall asleep with candles burning. Many fires are started in the bedroom because of this. If you were using a match to light the candle, make sure to either run the match under water, or let it cool on a heat-resistant surface. Never throw a warm match into the garbage can as it can ignite other materials in the trash, especially flammable ones.
