Candles and Naked Flame Safety

Candles can be a superb addition to any room; adding warmth and a subtle atmospheric improvement to your home.

However, fundamentally candles are naked flames, and as such there is always a chance of fire if you are not fully aware of the risks they carry. While the aesthetic appeal of candles means it can be tempting to use them in abundance, it is important that you know how to properly use them.

Holders

Ensure that any candles you use are in a suitable holder before they are lit. Without a holder, it is easy for them to fall over and if they set some furniture or upholstery alight, it can quickly spread.

Smoke Alarms

Although your house should already have a few smoke alarms in, it might be worth installing smoke alarms in the rooms that you burn candles in, particularly if you have a large number of them.

Placement

A key point to remember when thinking about where to put your candles is whether or not it could accidentally be knocked over or if it is in the reach of small children or pets. If there is a likelihood it will be knocked over or a small child could hurt themselves with it, move it to another place.

Also, it is important that you do not place any candles under shelving – there must be at least one metre between the candle and any surface above the flame. If you are placing multiple candles on a surface, ensure they are at least 10cm apart.

Extinguishing

Although blowing out a candle is the traditional method of extinguishing a candle or naked flame, it can actually be quite dangerous. Sparks can fly from the candle and light flammable materials on fire, so use a spoon or another non-flammable implement to put them out. Make sure you extinguish candles before you leave the room for an extended period of time, and when you do put the candle out, double check that the flame has completely gone out as there is a possibility it could start a fire due if it is smouldering.

Scented Candles

Scented candles release their fragrances by turning to liquid, so be extra considerate with their placement. For extra safety, put scented candles in a glass or metal holder to ensure that the liquid does not spill onto any surface.

Here at City Fire Protection, we fully understand the importance of fire safety and that is why we supply and install the best fire safety equipment for all our customers. For more information, please feel free to get in touch with us today.