Candle Safety

  • Published
  • By Public Education Division
  • National Fire Protection Association
Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of home
fires and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.

‘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 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

If you do burn candles, make sure that you...
• 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 candle’s if medical oxygen is used in the home.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

Candles and kids
• Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles. Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach, in a locked cabinet.

Facts
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.
• Roughly one-third of home candle fires start in the bedroom.
• More than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle.

For more information, visit www.nfpa.org/education.com.