Fire Safety - Candles

As we head into the darker months, there may be a higher chance of people using candles. Whenever you use a candle, it's important to follow the basic health and safety advice as follows:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended. This is the most important rule of candle safety. Always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
• Use sturdy candle holders made of non-flammable materials. Make sure the candle fits snugly in the holder and can't tip over. Place them on a heat-resistant surface. 
• Keep candles and flames away from clothes, curtains, cushions, paper, and other flammable materials. 
• Do not put candles under shelves, the heat rises to the shelf and can cause a fire.
• Ensure candles are out of reach of children and pets and never leave them alone with burning candles.
• Do not use candles if you feel drowsy, sleepy or are struggling to concentrate.
• Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting the candle. A longer wick can cause the candle to burn too quickly or unevenly.
• Don't burn candles all the way down to the bottom. The heat from the flame can cause the container to crack or break.