American Safety Zone - Candle Safety Tip

Candle Safety Tip #1

Dave was planning a romantic dinner for his girlfriend. He had everything set up and laid out. It was beautiful. He had the wine chilling next to the dining table with the fancy table cloth and scented candles. He had candles everywhere. Everything was going according to plan. She came over, they ate dinner, then they decided to go to the living room to listen to some music and chat. But Dave forgot and important fire safety rule and candle safety tip #1: DO NOT LEAVE AN OPEN FLAME UNATTENDED. As they were leaving the dining area, Rebecca -- his date -- accidentally bumped the table and knocked over a candle. No one noticed. Five minutes later, they both noticed a glow in the dining room and got there just in time to see the dinner table on fire. Luckily, Dave had a fire extinguisher and was able to put the fire out before it spread. Dave was one of the lucky ones.

Candle Safety Tip #1

When it comes to candle safety, you can never be too careful. Here are some simple candle safety tips to follow. Each candle safety tip could possibly save your property, and maybe even your life.

Don't leave a burning candle unattended. In fact, it's a good idea not to leave candles burning in a room where you won't be. What if you leave a candle burning in the bathroom and decide to go to the grocery store. Chances are, you'll forget about the candle because it won't be in your line of sight before you leave. Leaving candles unattended could result in disaster.
Don't burn candles near anything that can catch fire.
Only light candles where kids and pets can't get to them.
Don't place lit candles near drafts.
Make sure candlewicks are trimmed to 1/4 inch before you light them. Long, crooked wicks may cause uneven burning and dripping.
Use candleholders that are the right size for the candle they are holding. Only place candles in or on things that are made to withstand the heat of a candle.
If you group candles together, make sure they are at least three inches apart.
Be careful when lighting candles. You don't want long hair or loose sleeves getting caught in the flame!
Don't continue burning candles that are two inches from their holder.
Use a snuffer to put candles out. Blowing or using water can cause the wax to splatter and cause glass holders to break.

Each candle safety tip above is helpful in its own way. Follow each candle safety tip and have a happy, safe time. If you have a candle safety tip, let us know.