The holiday season is a joyful time for celebrations, family gatherings and decorating the home. It’s also the most popular time for burning candles and, unfortunately, the peak season for accidental candle fires.
The National Candle Association and the National Association of State Fire Marshals are urging consumers to take special care when using candles this holiday season, and to follow these important fire-safety rules:
– Always keep a burning candle within your sight.
– Never leave a burning candle unattended.
– Keep burning candles away from combustible items. Be careful not to place candles near flammable decorations or Christmas greenery.
– Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be sturdy, heat resistant and big enough to collect dripping wax.
– Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
– Trim candlewicks to 1/4 inch before lighting or re-lighting. Keep the wax-pool free of wick trimmings, dust, matches and debris at all times.
– Keep burning candles out of drafts and away from air vents.
– Never move a candle when it is burning.
More candle fire-safety, visit www.candles.org/safety_rules.html