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Step 1
Always place candles in a fire-resistant container, preferably glass. This will keep wax from ruining surfaces, and prevent the flame from burning things.
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Step 2
Always leave plenty of free space around a candle. Never place them in a cluttered area, or near curtains or fabric. The flame can easily light fire to nearby items.
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Step 3
Place lit candles out of the reach of children and pets. Fire and burns can occur if kids or animals knock over or play with the candles.
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Step 4
Keep the wick trimmed. Some candles may melt faster than the wick burns, leaving a long, exposed wick. Long wicks mean large flames, and are very dangerous.
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Step 5
Use a snuffer or lid to put out candles. It is safer than blowing them out. Blowing out a candle can cause hot wax to spatter, or blow the flame toward ignitable items.
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Step 6
If you blow out a candle, be sure to hold back your hair. Hair, especially if you use hairspray, ignites quickly and can lead to sever burns as well as loss of your hair.
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Step 7
Never leave candles in unattended areas, unless they are safely placed. Wind, children, pets, or a forgetful person can knock over a candle and start a fire. If you must leave a candle unattended, such as in a power outage, try placing the candle in a sink, in the tub, or inside a glass jar out of reach of children and pets.
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Step 8
Don't let candles in glass containers burn for too long. While the glass is usually made to withstand the heat, it is possible that burning for too long can cause the glass to crack, which may result in hot spattering wax, burns, or a fire.
