This is an important time of year to focus on holiday candle safety. Nothing adds to the spirit of the holidays like a collection of beautiful candles, glowing in the evening light. Nothing can ruin a holiday like a burned out home and a relative in the hospital – all as a result of careless use of candles.
During this time of year, we often use candles for religious purposes – and if not, then for general entertaining. Please have a look at these tips for ensuring your holiday activities are free from unwanted fires involving candles:
- Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.
- Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
- Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
- Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
- Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
- Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.
And, if you’re using candles as part of a religious activity, keep these tips in mind:
- Candles should be placed in a sturdy candle holder.
- Handheld candles should not be passed from one person to another at any time.
- When lighting candles at a candle lighting service, have the person with the unlit candle dip their candle into the flame of the lit candle.
- Lit candles should not be placed in windows where a blind or curtain could catch fire.
- Candles placed on, or near tables, altars, or shrines, must be watched by an adult.
- Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- If a candle must burn continuously, be sure it is enclosed in a glass container and placed in a sink, on a metal tray, or in a deep basin filled with water.
