Tree Terrors | Light Nightmares | Ornament Obstacles | Toy Trouble | Candle Catastrophes | Food Frights | Wretched Wrappings | Plant Pitfalls | All Holiday Hazards
Families with twins, triplets or other multiples must be extra cautious to carefully childproof their homes. However, the holiday season brings hidden hazards. Make sure your happy holidays aren't ruined by accident or injury. Follow these simple guidelines and tips to ensure that your holiday candles are safe and secure.
- The glow of candlelight is an enchanting symbol of the season. Yet, candles can be hazardous if used improperly.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Never leave a child unattended in a room where a candle is burning.
- Keep candles, matches and lighters out of reach -- and out of sight -- of young twins or multiples.
- Don't put lighted candles near -- or on -- anything flammable. Keep candles away from furniture, curtains, bedding, lamps, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc. Don't use real candles on Christmas trees or too close to other holiday greenery.
- Keep candles away from vents and drafts. In addition to the fire hazard, this prevents wax drippings and uneven burning.
- Use a candle snuffer to extinguish candles when you're done burning. Blowing on them may fan the flame or splash hot wax.
- Avoid sooty candles or ones that produce a lot of smoke. Look for candles endorsed by the National Candle Association, which feature lead-free wicks.
- Trim wicks to 1/4" before lighting candles. Keeping wicks long and untrimmed can make candles burn unevenly or cause wax to drip or sputter.
- Don't move candles around the room while they're lighted. Don't ever pick up a glass votive or candleholder that contains liquid wax. Let wax cool and harden completely before moving it.
- Do not burn a candle too long. Don't use a candle if less than 2" of wax remains (or 1/4" in an enclosed container). Follow manufacturer recommendations. Extinguish pillar candles if the wax pool approaches the outer edge.
More Holiday Hazards -- Next: Holiday Food
