Candles help create a warm atmosphere in the home and are often used to mark special events. But as pretty as candles are, it’s vital to remember they are also potential fire hazards. Around 10,000 residential fires are caused each year by people using candles carelessly, and all of these could be prevented. If you’re thinking about lighting candles, follow these tips to help keep your home safe and avoid fire damage in Springfield Missouri.
Think About Proper Ventilation
Candles should never be burnt in a room that’s too small, or that doesn’t have good ventilation. The lack of ventilation can cause issues while the candle is burning, which could lead to a house fire.
Be Careful With Moving Air
Moving air can be dangerous with a burning candle. Avoid burning in areas where there are drafts, air currents, or fans. Any of these can cause the candles to burn unevenly, cause the flames to flare up and potentially catch something on fire, or lead to soot.
Keep Away From Flammable Objects
Flammable objects are anything that can easily catch on fire. Candles should be kept at least one foot away from all flammable objects. This includes curtains, paper, plants, electronics, and furniture. It’s always better to be safe and assume something is flammable if you’re not sure.
Keep in Sturdy Candle Holders
Sturdy candle holders should be used for every candle. They should also be placed on a stable horizontal surface. To reduce the risk of fire further, make sure the surface the candle is sitting on is heat-resistant.
Keep Candles Separated
While a bunch of candles close together looks great, this isn’t a good idea. Keep them at least three inches apart. If the candles are too close together, one can cause another candle to start melting on the side, which unbalances the candle and could cause it to fall.
Put Them Out of Reach
Children and pets should not be able to reach the candles. Place them higher up, out of reach, or avoid using candles in an area where children or pets may be present. It’s easy for a kid or a pet to accidentally knock the candle over, causing a fire.
Do Not Leave Lit Candles Unsupervised
Candles should not be left unsupervised in case the flame flares up, the candle falls over, or something flammable falls onto the flame. Stay in the room while the candles are doing and blow them out if you need to leave the room or you’re going to bed.
Don’t Burn All the Way Down
Candles should be put out before they’ve burned all the way down. Leave at least two inches of wax for candles in a candle holder. If the candle is in a container, it’s okay to burn down to the last half an inch. If you don’t want to waste wax, it is possible to melt the remaining wax over a stove and add it to other wax to create a new candle.
Extinguish Candles Before Moving Them
Candles should not be moved while they’re burning. The wax might drip, which can cause injuries or for the candle to be dropped. Extinguish them first, move the candle, then light it again if needed.
Don’t Use Candles During a Power Outage
Candles are often packed with emergency supplies, but they shouldn’t be used during a power outage if it can be avoided. Use flashlights or other battery-powered lighting options instead. Using candles in the dark can increase the risk of a fire or an injury.
Avoid Using Water to Put Out Candles
Candle snuffers are the safest way to put out a candle, and they’re inexpensive to purchase. If water is used, the splash from the water can cause the hot wax to splash on whoever is putting out the candle. This could end up causing serious injuries.
Opt for Flameless Candles
Candles can be dangerous, but there are other options available today that can give the same ambiance and add light to the room. Some battery-operated flameless candles look stunning, and many of them smell like real candles as well. There’s a lot less risk to using these, so they are a great replacement for actual candles.
Too many fires start because of candles every year. If you’re planning on using candles, flameless ones are the best option, but following proper safety tips can help keep your home safe. If you do ever need help with Fire Damage Restoration, call the professionals at PuroClean Certified Restoration to do the fire and smoke damage cleanup right.