Candles are a large part of home decor. In fact, 7 out of 10 U.S. households regularly use candles, many of which are scented. Whether you are using a candle for aromatherapy, during romantic evenings with a loved one, while entertaining family and friends for the holidays, to cover up a cooking odor, or just because you like the way they smell and enjoy the ambiance, candle safety is very important. Do you know the three basic safety rules while burning a candle in your home?
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. A lighted candle should always be within your sight. Extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.
- Never burn a candle on or near anything that might catch fire. Keep burning candles away from furniture, curtains, bedding, carpet, etc.
- Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Children and pets can accidentally knock over a lit candle starting a fire.
The National Candle Association, has established rules on how to use a candle safely before lighting, while burning, and when extinguishing. To view the complete list of candle safety rules from the National Candle Association, click here: http://candles.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Candle-Fire-Safety-Rules.pdf
For those of you who love candles but have a fear of the “flame”, there are safer flameless home fragrance alternatives. Candle Warmers lamps and warmers were created by a man who witnessed the dangers of an unattended lit candle firsthand after his neighbor’s home was destroyed by a fire. These products provide “fragrance and ambiance without the flame.” Your favorite brand candle can be used without ever lighting a match. Place a candle in a Candle Warmers lantern, plug it in, and enjoy the glow of a lit candle along with the flameless fragrance. Another “fan” favorite, is the Candle Aire Fan Fragrance Warmer. These beautiful home decor pieces use scented wax tins and a fan to fill the air with fragrance while using a flickering light to create the ambiance of a lit candle. This is all without the dangers of a flame.
If aromatherapy is your reason for loving candles, reed diffusers are another safe alternative. Reed diffusers draw scented oils up from the bottle through the wooden reeds (sticks) and release fragrance into the air. WoodWick home fragrance diffusers feature highly concentrated fragrances infused with essential oils. You can refill the reusable bottles with a new fragrance each time or stick with a favorite. Maison Berger offers fabulous reed diffusers with some of their most popular scents like Ocean Breeze and Vanilla Gourmet.
If candles are your preferred choice for your home fragrance needs, please take the time to review the National Candle Association’s safety guidelines and everybody should always have a fire extinguisher