We often use candles to provide an elegant source of light, a wonderful atmosphere to sooth and relax us, or even to provide colors and scents that will enhance our decor, but more importantly, we must be very cautious when using candles in order to insure our safety and the safety of our loved ones. 

Never leave a burning candle unattended in any room of the house!

Place candles on secure furniture and out of the reach of children and pets.

Only burn candles while under constant adult supervision.

Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

Keep candles a minimum of 1 foot, in all directions, from flammable and combustible items such as curtains or bedding.  

Make sure curtains cannot be blown over the candle by wind.

Place burning candles away from drafts and vents.

Secure candles in holders made of glass, ceramic, metal or other noncombustible material.

Candles need to be held firmly upright by the holder so they won't fall over. The holder needs to be stable too, so it won't fall over either.

Leave at least four inches between two burning candles. 

It's easy to forget that there is a lot of heat above a burning candle. If you put it under a shelf or other surface then it can burn the surface. Make sure there's at least three feet between a candle and any surface above it.

Never place candles on a Christmas tree or near ornaments or other combustible decorations anywhere in the house.

Trim wicks to about 1/4 inch from the top of the candle prior to each use to help the flame burn better and produce less smoke.

Candles in containers should not be used if less than 1/2 inch of wax is remaining.

Taper candles should not be allowed to burn down below 2 inches from their holder.

Scented votives will create pools of wax. Always use tight fitting votive holders to prevent wax pools and votives will burn longer and more efficiently.

Avoid burning candles for more than four hours at a time or follow the manufacturer's instructions if less.

Avoid walking while holding a burning candle. Do not move a glass container when the wax is liquid.

Never spray an aerosol can near an open flame.

Extinguish all candles before leaving the house or when going to bed.

Use a snuffer or a spoon to extinguish the candle. It's safer than blowing them, which can send sparks and hot wax flying.

Double-check they're out. Candles that have been put out can go on smoldering and start a fire. Make sure they're completely out.

Make sure all of your smoke detectors have good batteries and your fire extinguishers are in good working order!