Place candles in sturdy, burn-resistant containers that won’t tip over and are big enough to collect dripping wax.
Extinguish candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. Keep lit candles away from items that can catch fire.
Don’t place lit candles near windows, where blinds or curtains may close or blow over them.
Don’t use candles in high traffic areas where children or pets could knock them over.
Never let candles burn out completely. Extinguish them when they get to within 2 inches of the holder or decorative material.
Never leave children or pets alone in a room with lit candles.
Do not allow older children to light candles in their bedrooms. A forgotten candle or an accident is all it takes to start a fire.
During power outages, exercise caution when using candles as a light source. Many destructive fires start when potential fire hazards go unnoticed in the dark.
Keep candle wicks short at all times. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch (6.4 mm).
Be wary of buying novelty candles. Avoid candles surrounded by flammable paint, paper, dried flowers, or breakable/meltable containers.
Use extreme caution when carrying a lit candle, holding it well away from your clothes and any combustibles that may be along your path.