Home Safety Council Asks Families to Light and Delight Safely by Practicing Proper Candle Safety

Candles can provide a warm and festive atmosphere - but they can also be a fire hazard if left unattended or placed near anything flammable. The Home Safety Council encourages families to enjoy holiday candles while always keeping fire safety in mind:

	Make sure an adult is in the room and paying attention whenever you light a candle. Blow out all candles before going to sleep or leaving the room. Do not permit children to keep or use candles or incense in their rooms. Candles should only be used when a sober adult is present and awake.
	Never use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree or other evergreens. Keep candles at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including other decorations and wrapping paper.
	Always use stable, nonflammable candle holders with a hurricane glass to protect the open flame. Place candles where they will not be knocked down or blown over and out of reach of pets and young children. If you have children in your home, store candles, matches and lighters out of their sight and reach in a locked cabinet. To eliminate the risk of an open candle flame, use battery-powered candles whenever possible, especially when you combine candles with greenery or other decorations.