Tip 2: Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings and don’t leave them burning unattended
Lots of us use candles to help decorate the house or give the place a more festive feel, however, candles do pose a significant fire risk.
If you do use candles or tea lights here are some key safety tips to keep you, your home and your family safe.
- Make sure that when in use, candles are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains, Christmas trees, decorations and toys.
- Children and pets should not be left alone with lit candles.
- Put candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re put out completely at night.
- Trim the wick to ¼ inch each time before burning. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring.
- Don’t move candles once they are lit
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on burn time and proper use.
- Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause flaring (mainly with tea-lights).
- Always make sure tea-lights are placed in a proper holder. The foil container which tea lights come in can get very hot. They can melt through plastic, such as a bath, and have the potential to start a house fire.
Use a snuffer or a spoon to put out candles. It’s safer than blowing them out when embers can fly.