Candle Safety At Home

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

Candles have been used as a method of home lighting throughout human history, and even though electric light bulbs have now overtaken candles as the main lighting source in our homes, millions of decorative candles are still sold every year. There’s just something about the glow and scent of candles that ensures they are a part of our lives. 

Unfortunately, candle use is also the cause of many preventable home fires. It is estimated that candles cause more than 15,000 home fires every year, many of which result in injury or even death. More than half of these fires start because the candles are too close to combustible materials, which is something that is easily preventable.

Here are a few tips that can help you practice candle safety at home:

• Burning candles should never be left unattended, and be sure to keep candles away from anything flammable.
• If your candle is in a candle holder, it should be sturdy enough to avoid being easily knocked over. Candles should be placed where children and pets can’t reach them.
• Candle wicks should be trimmed to ¼ inch each time before burning. Long wicks can cause uneven burning and dripping. Keep the pool of wax in the candle clear of debris such as wick trimmings. 
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for candle use. Most candles should be burned for only a couple of hours at a time.
• Extinguish candles with a candle snuffer rather than blowing them out, as hot wax can splatter.

Flameless candles are a safe alternative to lit candles and produce a similar soft, glowing effect. Lit candles are not recommended for use during power outages, so use battery-powered flashlights, lanterns and even flameless candles instead.

Finally, any talk of candle safety is incomplete without a reminder to check all smoke alarms in your home. Working smoke alarms in your home will greatly increase your chances of surviving a home fire, so check them every month to ensure they are working properly.

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville, we care about your safety. Call us if you experience fire damage, water damage, or issues from a mold infestation.