Candles: Safe Burning Practices and Comparable Alternatives

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

A burning candle is an open flame that could easily ignite its surroundings if left unattended.

Candles: Best Practices for Burning and Comparable Alternatives

Over the years, candles have remained common in homes across the world, but it's essential to understand how important it is to practice using them safely in your home to avoid a candle fire. A burning candle is an open flame that could easily ignite its surroundings if left unattended, increasing the need for fire damage restoration and smoke cleanup in Richland, WA. Additionally, there are several candle alternatives on the market that could serve the same purpose without the safety risks.

The following guide can help you avoid accidentally starting a house fire.

Safety Tips To Avoid a Candle Fire

Taking precautions is the only way to stay safe when using candles. Here are some ways to ensure a lit candle doesn't cause a fire:

1. Lit candles should be kept a safe distance away from anything flammable. 
2. The candle wick should be trimmed to about 1/4 inch to ensure that the flame remains small.
3. Candles need to be extinguished if there is no one in the room to attend to them.
4. Candles should not be burning within reach of young children or pets.
5. All lit candles must be placed on a stable surface.
6. Drafty areas such as near air vents, fans, or open windows are not optimal places to burn candles.
7. Candles should be extinguished before bedtime.

Alternatives to Traditional Candles

While candles can be safely used with caution, utilizing alternatives is a great way to have a similar experience while avoiding a candle fire. Taking advantage of safer options will still provide people with the scents or ambient light of candles without the risks. A few worthy substitutes include flameless candles, essential oil diffusers, incense, air freshener spray, lanterns, plug-in air fresheners, and electric wax warmers. These alternatives can be powered by batteries or electricity, making them ideal for a safe environment for all people and animals in the home. 

Utilizing the safe candle burning practices listed and trying replacements to traditional candles are ideal ways to decrease or eliminate the chances of a fire in your home.