custom scented candle | highly scented candle gifts

custom scented candle by Colorado Custom Candles

Candle Safety

Candle Fire Safety

National Candle Association - www.candles.org

People have safely enjoyed using candles for centuries. Their colors and scents enhance everyday life and evoke memories of special events. Candles are a source of light and delight when used properly and according to manufacturers' directions.

However, if certain precautions are not taken by the consumer, candles can also become a factor in a chain of events that can result in unnecessary injury and even death. According to U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the soaring popularity of candles has led to an increase in reported candle fires. The USFA currently estimates that candles are responsible for approximately 10,000 residential fires each year, along with 1,000 civilian injuries, 85 fatalities and $120 million in property loss.

Estimates based on 1994-1998 data from USFA's National Fire Incident Reporting System, and the National Fire Protection Agency, suggest that candle fire incidents occur most often in the bedroom (44.5%); followed by the living room, family room or den (18.6%); the bathroom (11.4%), and the kitchen (7.2%). Materials most often ignited by candles were mattresses or bedding (12.8%); cabinetry (10.1%); and curtains, blinds or draperies (8.4%).

Notably, the bulk of these candle fire incidents were found to be due to consumer inattention to basic fire safety or to the misuse of candles. Nearly 40 percent of residential candle fires reportedly occurred because candles were unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled. In addition, nearly 20 percent occurred because a combustible item was placed too close to the candle. The leading causes for residential candle fire incidents were reported as follows:

Candle unattended 19.3%
Too close to combustibles 19.1%
Candle misuse (unspecified) 11.4%
Inadequate control of flame 10.2%
Child playing 8.7%
Abandoned material 7.4%
Falling asleep 4.5%

The members of the National Candle Association are concerned with these statistics. In an effort to reduce candle fires, NCA aggressively works to educate consumers on the paramount importance of fire safety when using candles. NCA also has spearheaded the development of voluntary national standards to further candle safety, including standards for fire safety labeling, and heat-resistant glass containers. The following simple candle safety tips are important to memorize when using candles:

ALWAYS KEEP A BURNING CANDLE WITHIN SIGHT

NEVER BURN A CANDLE ON OR NEAR ANYTHING THAT CAN CATCH FIRE

KEEP BURNING CANDLES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN OR PETS

To help educate consumers about proper candle use, many U.S. candle manufacturers include directions on their candles and warning labels citing the warnings listed above.

Some additional tips that will help you use and enjoy candles safely are:

Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully
Trim wicks to 1/4 inch prior to each use
Always use an appropriate candleholder place on a stable, heat-resistant surface
Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents and air currents
Extinguish a candle if it smokes, flickers repeatedly, or the flame becomes too high
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 it if comes too close to the holder or container. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 2 inches of wax remains (1/2 inch if in a container)
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
Place lighted candles at least 3 inches from one another

The National Candle Association urges you to use candles carefully and follow all fire safety precautions.

\| Home \|	\| Build A Candle! \|	\| Containers \|	\| Colors \|	\| Scents \|	\| Samples \|
\| Contact Us \|	\| Specials \|	\| Safety Articles \|	\| Partner Links \|	\| Login \|	\| Shopping Cart \|