Candle Safety

I'm going to start with the important stuff
here first. Even if you do not make candles,
you might like burning candles ... and if you
do, it never hurts to read up on safety advice.

It's important to use good judgment when
burning candles and all necessary safety
precautions should always be taken.

PLEASE READ THIS if you plan to burn candles!

Although some of the safety tips may be
obvious, there could be some things you
haven't thought of ... and you can never
be too careful with fire.

Here are just a few of the many precautions
that should be taken whenever maintaining
a lit candle ...

NEVER leave a burning candle unattended
for any reason.

Keep lit candles out of reach from children.

Keep lit candles out of reach from pets ...
this includes areas where your pet may accidentally
tip a candle over (either with tail, paw, toys, etc.)

Always keep lit candles at least a foot and
a half away from any curtains, fabric, tie-backs,
or any fabric that could catch fire.

If placing a candle on a tablecloth, make sure that
it is ona fire-resistant plate and place the candle
near the center of the table so there is no chance
of a long, draping tablecloth being blown or tossed
up into the candle. Use extreme caution with paper
party tablecloths!

Keep burning candles on a heat-resistant surface
that is stable ... fold-out tables which can easily
be kicked or knocked over are not safe options.
If your surface is made of wood, place your candle
on a glass, ceramic, or metal plate or candle holder.

Do not use cloth doilies directly under a lit candle ...
place the candle on a glass or ceramic plate,
then you may place the plate on a doily.

When using tall candle holders for tapers,
place in a secluded area where they will not
be toppled over.

Select placement of your candles during gatherings
carefully. Be especially aware of placement where
guest activity is most abundant. Avoid placing candles
in entry ways or near coat rooms where frequent drafts
or heavy foot traffic are most likely. Also, avoid placing
candles on low end-tables or in places where flowing
garments of passers-by may come in contact with a
burning candle.

Be careful not to place a lit candle near anything
that is flammable or combustible. This includes
placing a lit candle on a bookshelf or end-table
where there may be a wooden shelf above the candle.
Also be cautious of hanging baskets, dried floral
decorations, etc.

Never walk with a burning candle, just in case you
should trip or fall.

After extinguishing a candle, stay to make sure it is
completely out and that the wick ember is no long
glowing before leaving the room.

Do not use a candle to check for natural gas leaks or
to look into a clothes closet for any reason.

Keep all ribbons, decorative toppers, and other
fabrics away from a burning candle.

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Common sense when burning candles goes a long way!

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Stay Safe !!