ERIE, Pa.,
Dec. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/
-- From pumpkin spice to winter pine, there are a plethora of
candle scents to choose from—not to mention the endless styles.
Whatever your go-to candle is, now is the season to burn it. But
did you know December is the peak month for candle fires, with
January being a fast follower? These fires cause an annual average
of 81 deaths, 677 fire injuries, and $278
million in direct property damage.
It might seem like a no-brainer, but be sure to follow these 10
safe candle practices from Erie Insurance.
- Stay close by. Never leave a candle
unattended. If you notice your candle has a high, flickering
flame, it's time to extinguish it.
- Watch kiddos and pets. Keep candles away
from small children and pets. And don't leave a child asleep beside
a candle. (And, of course, keep the lighters way out of
reach.)
- Clear some space. Be sure to place candles on an
uncluttered, sturdy surface—and make sure it's heat-resistant. Any
candle in a holiday décor item (even a votive) should not be near
anything else that could catch fire.
- Move flammable items. Keep candles at least one
foot away from other materials or items while burning. Three out of
five candle fires start when flammable items are too close to a
burning candle.
- Always trim the wicks. Long or warped wicks are
more likely to burn unevenly, drip or flare up. Purchase a wick
trimmer and keep wicks trimmed to ¼" for optimal candle use. (Pro
tip: Wick trimmers retail between $10-15, so they won't break the bank!)
- Read the label. Pay attention to the manufacturer's
recommendations for burn time and proper use. Every candle is
different – some get too hot after a few hours. No sticker
with instructions? Then seriously reconsider purchasing or using
that candle. If it doesn't meet labeling standards, it probably
doesn't meet other important fire safety standards.
- Dip that wick. Consider purchasing a wick
dipper (only a few bucks), you'll prevent hot wax from splattering
and also keep your wick protected, while eliminating the huge puff
of black smoke you get when you just blow it out.
- Know when it's time to toss. Don't
burn a candle to the very end of its life. Burning your
candle all the way down is a fire hazard. Instead, pitch it when
there's two inches of wax left in a freestanding candle or ½" in a
container candle. A lot of higher-end candles burn out on their
own, but don't count on it.
- Invest in quality. Avoid buying cheap
candles – a lot of times they don't last and aren't even very
fragrant after a few burns, anyway. Pay attention to the width of
the candle and the number of wicks. For example, a three-wick
candle that is too small in diameter can burn way too fast and
create a bigger flame. A wide candle with only has two wicks, might
not burn evenly, either. Bottom line: you get what you pay
for.
- Go flameless! Consider alternatives to
traditional candles: flameless candles, pod warmers or plug
ins. Today's flameless models look incredibly real, and some
even have scents. Another option is using a scent warmer which
uses a pod of wax, rather than a hot flame. Some are electric and
some plug into your outlet. Again, always follow the manufacturer's
instructions on these items.
Candles can give your holiday or event that special spark it
needs, but when opting for a real candle, make sure you and your
family take the proper precautions. Talk to your ERIE agent to ensure you have
adequate coverage for your home and everything in
it.
About Erie Insurance
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in
Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 12th
largest homeowners insurer, 13th largest automobile insurer and
13th largest commercial lines insurer in the United States based on direct premiums
written. Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company
and the 16th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net
premium written. Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, ERIE has more than 6 million policies in force
and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. News releases and more
information are available on ERIE's website at
www.erieinsurance.com.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/10-candle-safety-tips-for-a-safe-holiday-from-erie-insurance-301447158.html
SOURCE Erie Insurance Group