Did you know this is Candle Safety Week? Me neither, but here’s some advice that’s particularly relevant at this time of the year …
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is making an appeal to the public to stay safe this Candle Safety Week.
Candles pose a real threat to life if misused. Follow our top tips to make sure you, your family and home stay safe from fire:
• Make sure that when in use, candles are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains, furniture, Christmas trees, decorations or toys.
• Children and pets should not be left alone with lit candles.
• Put candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re put out completely at night. In particular, never leave a burning candle in a bedroom.
• Trim the wick to ¼ inch each time before burning. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring.
• Don’t move candles once they are lit.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on burn time and proper use.
• Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause flaring (mainly with tea-lights).
• Always make sure tea-lights are placed in a proper holder. The foil container that tea lights are contained in can get very hot. They can melt through plastic, such as a bath, and have the potential to start a house fire.
• Use a snuffer or a spoon to put out candles. It’s safer than blowing them out when embers can fly.
Taking these precautions will reduce the chances of a house fire, but should the worst happen, remember to ensure that your smoke alarms are in working order and that everyone living in your household knows their quickest escapes routes in an emergency.
Top safety tip: this winter, keep a torch and spare batteries readily available in your home in case of a lighting failure.
If you or someone you know could benefit from a FREE Home Fire Safety Visit, please join Scotland’s fight against fire and request a visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999, by texting ‘check’ to 61611 or by contacting their local fire station.
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