Master Candle Safety: The Best Tips and Social Media Hacks

We all love to learn a new hack or how to reuse things. It keeps life fun and interesting. However, one must be mindful of our sources and the reliability of the information, especially when you are talking about fire safety and prevention. October is Fire Prevention Month, and the National Candle Association wants you to know the dos and don’ts of fire prevention and candle safety. Also, we will discuss how to be safe related to the latest social media trends and hacks for your candles.  

Understanding Candle Safety Basics

Candles light up our spaces and add a cozy glow and warm ambiance to it. However, it is crucial to remember that a candle is an open flame which can be extremely dangerous. Stats show that candles are responsible for 4% of reported home fires, resulting in significant property damage to  $257 million annually. 

The National Candle Association (NCA) strongly emphasizes fire safety and protection practices when using candles. Here are some candle safety tips for you: 

1. Don’t Burn Candles for too Long

Candles should never be burned past ¼” of wax remaining. Burning candles beyond this point can cause the container to overheat, potentially cracking or breaking. Limit burning time to a maximum of four hours at a time to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.

2. Avoid Leaving Burning Candle Unattended

Always extinguish candles before leaving the room and keep them out of the reach of children and pets. Place them on a heat-resistant surface like ceramic or metal to protect your furniture from heat damage.    

3. Ensure Proper Placement 

Never place candles under shelves, in enclosed spaces, or near flammable material. This is especially important during the festive season when decorations might be nearby. If you are burning multiple candles, maintain a minimum distance of 10cm (four inches) between them to prevent potential fire spread. 

4. Use Proper Candle Holders

Avoid flimsy or flammable materials like wood, paper, or thin plastic when placing candles. These materials can easily tip or catch fire. Use a firm, stable, and heat-resistant candle holder like thick glass, ceramic, or metal. Also, make sure that the holder’s size and shape are appropriate for the candle. 

5. Put Out Flames Safely 

Put out flames safely by using a candle snuffer or gently placing the lid on the candle container. Do not use water to extinguish a candle, as it can cause hot water to splatter and cause burns.  

When Should You Trust Social Media? 

For the most part, social media has our attention. We can share new hacks trends, and spread viral videos easily. This doesn’t mean that everyone (including the person who created the post) is an expert. When sharing or watching videos about candles, you must keep in mind whether the person posting is a reliable source.  

Take note, if what you are watching content that seems dangerous, it probably is. For example, a recent viral video showed individuals driving with a lit candle in their car. 

NOTE: NCA advises individuals not to do this under any circumstance and be mindful of candle safety practices. 

Keep in mind that there are candle experts out there (like NCA) and extend your research beyond the video. Finally, don’t try everything you see, use good judgment and know if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.  

Light Up Your Life Safely With CR Candles and Gifts

Candle safety is not just sensible, it is life saver. These simple tips can prevent devastating fires and protect your loved ones. Always choose high-quality candles, use proper holders, and never leave a burning candle unattended.

And remember, not everything you see on social media is safe! Use your best judgment and prioritize fire safety above all. Searching for premium artistic candles? Look no further than CR Candles and Gifts. Choose from our best-handcrafted gel and pie candles, crafted with the finest wax and designed to uplift your mood and spaces.