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Chances are that you or someone in your home will be lighting candles this holiday season. In fact, statistics show that more than two-thirds of American households use candles and one-third of all candles are sold during this time of year.
Candles are as much a part of the holidays as evergreens and mistletoe, adding warmth and sparkle to the holiday season.
They've been an important part of celebrations for centuries and are safe when used properly. According to the National Candle Association, U.S. candle manufacturers use only safe wicks and fragrances.
Play It Safe
If you plan to light candles as part of your seasonal festivities, safety experts recommend that you follow these simple safety tips.
- Trim the candlewick from 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch
- Make sure you remove wick trimmings and matches from the candle
- Keep lit candles away from vents or drafts, which can cause candles to burn unevenly and smoke
- Keep candles a safe distance from holiday decorations and out of reach of little hands or wagging tails
- Never leave a burning candle unattended
- Never place a burning candle on or near flammable objects
For more information about using candles safely during the holidays and throughout the year, log on to www.candles.org, the website of the National Candle Association.
