- Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be heat resistant, sturdy
and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax. Be sure the candleholder is placed on a stable, heat-
resistant surface.
- Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents and air currents. This will help prevent prevent rapid, uneven
burning, smoking and excessive dripping. Drafts can also blow lightweight curtains or papers into the flame
where they could catch fire. Ceiling fans can cause drafts.
- Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.
- Do not burn a candle for longer than the manufacturer recommends.
- Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
- Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container. For a margin of safety, discontinue
burning a candle when 2 inches of wax remains (1/2inch if in a container). This will also help prevent
possible heat damage to the counter/surface and prevent glass containers from cracking or breaking.
- Never touch or move a votive or container candle when the wax is liquid.
- Extinguish pillar candles if the wax pool approaches the outer edge.
- Candles should be placed at least three inches apart from one another. This is to be sure they don't melt
one another, or create their own drafts that will cause the candles to burn improperly.
- One of the safest ways to extinguish a candle is to use a candle snuffer, which helps prevent hot wax from
spattering.
- When blowing out a candle, hold your index finger in front of the flame and blow at it. Air will flow around
your finger, extinguish the candle from both sides, and prevent hot wax from splattering.
- Do not extinguish candles with water. The water can cause the hot wax to spatter and can cause glass
containers to break.
- Flashlights and other battery-powered lights are much safer light sources than candles during a power
failure.
- Never use a candle as light when you go into a closet to look for things.
- Never use a candle for light when fueling equipment such as a lantern or kerosene heater.
- Install a smoke detector in every room where candles are burned.
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