SafeTips
Candles

Mishap Data

• Candle fires occur most often in bedrooms (45%), followed by family rooms (18%) and bathrooms (11%).
• The materials most often ignited by candles are cabinets (9.4%); blankets, sheets, and comforters (7.7%); and curtains and drapery (7.2%).
• Nearly 85% of candle fires were started because people misused the candle.
  16% of candle fires were caused by unattended candles.
• Candles cause an estimated 15,600 fires in residences, 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in estimated direct property damage each year.
• More than half (55%) of candle fires start because the candle is too close to a combustible material.
• The highest number of candle fires occur in December. Christmas is the peak day.

Do's and Don'ts

• Don’t leave a burning candle unattended. When you leave a room or go to bed, put out all candles. Don't trust a candle holder to contain a lit candle.
• Don't put candles near things that burn: books, newspaper, tablecloths, clothing, wall hangings, pictures, curtains. Window sills, in particular, are not good places for lit candles.
• When you buy a candle holder, look for several features: it should be hard to tip over, made from a material that won't burn, and should be able to catch melted wax. If you have a decorative holder that is flammable, keep a close eye on candles in it and put them out before the flame gets near the holder.
• Make sure that kids and pets can't get near candles.
• If a candle's wick gets too long, it can produce a dangerously large flame. Trim wicks to ¼" prior to each use.
• Don't buy candles that have flammable things embedded in them.
• Don't leave children along in rooms with candles.
• Keep candles, matches and lighters in a high cabinet that children can't see or reach.
• When the power goes out, you can light candles but don't carry them around.
• Have a flashlight if you need to walk around and find supplies, your cell phone or other things.
• Don't use a candle to check the pilot light on a stove, or to examine kerosene heaters or lanterns.
• .Keep candles away from drafts and vents
• Extinguish taper or pillar candles when they get within 2" of their holders.
• Always use containers that have been made for candle usage.

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