Candle Safety

Candle Safety Blog

The smell of candles and the twinkle of candlelight seem to enhance the beauty and excitement of the holidays! Candles are a staple during power outages, and bring a softness and coziness to any living room. But, with open flames indoors, it’s essential that we practice candle safety.

Our friends at RAM Mutual shared candle safety tips with us, and we wanted to pass them onto you. Click below to open RAM’s Member Services Department Candle Safety PDF, or continue reading below.

View the PDF here.

Candle With Care

  • Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
  • Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn. (One foot on every side, and nothing should be above the candle flame – shelving, curtains, window blinds, plants, etc.)
  • Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look (and sometimes smell) like real candles. You can even program them to turn on or off at certain times.

Candles And Kids

  • NEVER leave a child or pet alone in a room with a burning candle.
  • Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach in a locked cabinet.

If You Do Burn Candles, Be Sure You…

  • Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily.
  • Do not touch the candle or attempt to move it until it has completely cooled and the liquid wax has hardened.
  • Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
  • Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
  • Trim the wick. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, which can lead to wax dripping.
  • Don’t burn a candle all the way down. A candle in a container can safely burn to about 0.5″ of wax; a candle not contained should only be burned down to about 2″ of wax.
  • never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
  • Be careful if using candles during a power outage. Flashlights or other battery-powered lights are much safer than an open flame.

Candle Danger Facts

  • December is the peak month for home candle fires.
  • More than one-third of home candle fires start in the bedroom.
  • Three of every five candle fires start when things can burn are too close to the candle.

Candle Recalls (Dec 2020)

Click on the links below for more details. You can also view the details on RAM’s PDF (above).

Source: RAM Mutual (Member Services Department) –  Dec 2020 Flash Points (Candle Safety)