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10 Candle Safety Tips for a Safe Holiday from Erie Insurance
ERIE, Pa., Dec. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- From pumpkin spice to winter pine, there are a plethora of candle scents to choose from—not to mention the endless
About this update from Erie Indemnity Company
[{"type":"text","content":"ERIE, Pa., Dec. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- From pumpkin spice to winter pine, there are a plethora of candle scents to choose from—not to mention the endless styles. Whatever your go-to candle is, now is the season to burn it. But did you know December is the peak month for candle fires, with January being a fast follower? These fires cause an annual average of 81 deaths, 677 fire injuries, and $278 million in direct property damage. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \nIt might seem like a no-brainer, but be sure to follow these 10 safe candle practices from Erie Insurance.\nStay close by. Never leave a candle unattended. If you notice your candle has a high, flickering flame, it's time to extinguish it. Watch kiddos and pets. Keep candles away from small children and pets. And don't leave a child asleep beside a candle. (And, of course, keep the lighters way out of reach.) Clear some space. Be sure to place candles on an uncluttered, sturdy surface—and make sure it's heat-resistant. Any candle in a holiday décor item (even a votive) should not be near anything else that could catch fire. Move flammable items. Keep candles at least one foot away from other materials or items while burning. Three out of five candle fires start when flammable items are too close to a burning candle. Always trim the wicks. Long or warped wicks are more likely to burn unevenly, drip or flare up. Purchase a wick trimmer and keep wicks trimmed to ¼\" for optimal candle use. (Pro tip: Wick trimmers retail between $10-15, so they won't break the bank!) Read the label. Pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations for burn time and proper use. Every candle is different – some get too hot after a few hours. No sticker with instructions? Then seriously reconsider purchasing or using that candle. If it doesn't meet labeling standards, it probably doesn't meet other important fire safety standards. Dip that wick. Consider purchasing a wick dipper (only a few bucks), you'll prevent hot wax from splattering and also keep your wick protected, while eliminating the huge puff of black smoke you get when you just blow it out. Know when it's time to toss. Don't burn a candle to the very end of its life. Burning your candle all the way down is a fire hazard. Instead, pitch it when there's two inches of wax left in a freestanding candle or ½\" in a container candle. A lot...