While candles may look pleasant and harmless, they can be dangerous with open flames reaching more than 1,400 degrees Celsius.
Before you purchase candles for your home or as a gift for a loved one, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Candle fires are a leading cause of home fires and happen most often during the holiday season and typically inside the bedroom.
Common causes of candle fires are:
A safer alternative to live-flame candles
There are now battery operated flameless candles available at most retail stores. These safer alternatives use small L.E.D. (luminated electric diode) bulbs that do not generate any heat and flicker to provide a realistic flame effect. These flameless candles are also extremely efficient and last a long time on battery power.
Guidelines for candle use
Candle safety during power outages
Avoid using candles as emergency lighting. Always keep flashlights and/or battery-powered lamps and a stock of fresh batteries in a designated area.
Resources:
National Fire Protection Association Tip Sheet: https://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/top-causes-of-fire/candles