If You Have Fall Candles, Read This Before You Light Them.

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

If You Have Fall Candles, Read This Before You Light Them. 

Fall is officially upon us. I know you are excited to decorate, prepare for thanksgiving, and enjoy all the activities that come with fall. As the weather gets cooler and the leaves begin to change into vibrant colors, nothing gets you in the fall spirit quite like burning your new fall-scented candles. Whether you are using these candles to create a cozy and charming atmosphere in your home or you are using them to jump-start the fall season in your home, never forget that open flames are potential fire hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the careless use of candles causes nearly 10,000 residential fires each year. Here are some helpful tips you can use to avoid fires caused by candles.

Candle Fire Safety Dos:

• Blow candles out whenever you leave the room or go to bed. 
• Always burn your candles in well-ventilated rooms.
• Keep candles at least one foot away from anything flammable, such as paper, decorations, plants, and clothing.
• If you are using candle holders, always use sturdy candle holders that you know won't tip over easily. Place them on horizontal, stable, and heat-resistant surfaces.
• If you are burning multiple candles in an area, keep them at least three inches apart to ensure that they don’t melt one another.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Always place them up high or in areas they cannot easily reach. 
• Consider replacing burning candles with battery-operated flameless candles in your home. Most electrical candles look and smell like real candles.

Candle Fire Safety Don’ts:

• If you are in a small room, don’t burn too many candles. Limit yourself to burning only one candle in a small area. 
• Don’t burn candles in rooms with vents, drafts, fans, or air currents to avoid rapid, uneven burning, flame flare-ups, and soot formation.
• Don’t use candles in bedrooms or other sleeping areas. Statistically, most fires started by candles occur in the bedroom. Opt for using a diffuser or flameless candles in bedrooms. 
• Avoid burning candles all the way down to the bottom of the jar— put out candles when there are at least two inches of wax left or ½ inch if they are in a container.
• Don’t move candles while they’re burning. Hot wax can drip and cause injuries or severe burns. Extinguish candles before moving them or move them before lighting them.
• Avoid using candles during a power outage. Instead, use LED flameless candles, flashlights, or battery-powered lighting. 
• Never use water to put out a candle to prevent hot wax from splashing. If your candle comes with a lid, never extinguish the flame by placing it on top of the burning candle. Use a candle snuffer to extinguish candles.

If you have fire or smoke damage caused by a candle and are unsure of what to do next, don't stress! Call SERVPRO of Pickens County (864) 855-3993. Our crewmembers have specialized equipment and resources that help them respond quickly and effectively to any fire emergency in the Pickens County community and surrounding areas.