To practice candle safety is to practice common sense. Use your judgment and keep these few tips in mind:
Just as you would never leave a baby unattended, never leave the room when you have candles burning. Keep them within eyeshot. Before you leave, put them out.
Be sure to read and follow all directions given by the manufacturer. Don't burn them longer than the manufacturer recommended time.
Keep lit candles out of the reach of small children and pets.
Don't place burning candles where they could be easily bumped or upset.
Don't place candles on unstable surfaces, or surfaces that are not heat resistant.
Don't place lit candles near flammable objects such as curtains, or decorations. The tradition of placing live burning candles on Christmas trees may look good in the movies, but should never be attempted in the real world.
Never touch pooling liquid wax-- it's hot! If you're burning a candle in a glass container, such as a votive, don't try to pick it up while the wax is liquid.
If a large candle has pooling wax, never blow hard to put out the flame. Liquid wax could spatter.
Put out the flame if it gets within two inches of the bottom of the candle, or 1/2 if you're using a glass container, such as a votive. If the flame gets to close to the bottom of the container, it could break.
Don't put out your candle with water, as the wax could spatter. If you're using a glass container, water could shatter the glass.
When grouping candles, place them approximately three to four inches apart, so they will not melt each other.
Drafts can cause smoking and uneven burning.
Be careful where you place candles in a dark room. People can see the candle, but may not see the surface on which its resting, making it more prone to upsets.
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