Candle Safety

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

Candles can be inviting, but also are a leading cause of home fires.

Candles may be pretty to look at, but they are a common cause of home fires.  Remember – a candle is an open flame.  This means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.  Here are a few simple tips to help you safely enjoy burning candles in your home:

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom, or other areas where people are likely to fall asleep. Roughly one-third of home candle fires started in the bedroom.
• Keep candles at least 1ft away from anything that may burn
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and less likely to tip over.
• Place candles on a sturdy, uncluttered surface. More than half of all candle fires start when things that burn are too close to the candle.
• Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
• Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach of children
• Never use a candle is oxygen is used in the home.
• Consider using flameless candles in your home. Newer ones look and even smell like the real thing. 

Candles are appealing because they can create a warm, relaxing atmosphere.  Following the above tips can help you and your family safely enjoys candles in your home.  And, if the unexpected happens, know that you can count on your Fire Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO to help make it “like it never even happened”.