During the holidays especially, many people enjoy burning candles to add a festive touch. But people burn candles all the time, not just during the holiday season. They are pretty, smell good, and give off an ambiance that really sets the mood.
However, they can also be dangerous when you don’t use them safely. They can cause injuries, home fires, and even deaths. A candle is still an open flame and can ignite anything fairly easily.
With that in mind, do you know how to burn a candle safely? Take this candle burning quiz to find out.
Candle Burning Safety Guidelines Quiz
Q. How far away should you keep your burning candles from objects?
a) 10 inches
b) 2 feet
c) 12 inches
d) 20 inches
A. According to the NFPA, it’s important that you keep your candles a minimum of 12 inches away from any object that can burn like bedding, curtains, books, paper, clothing, flammable decorations and upholstered furniture.
Q. What is the correct way to store your candles?
a) In a dry, cool place
b) In a warm area
c) In the freezer
d) In direct sunlight
A. The fragrance oils and wax in the candles we use are sensitive to both light and temperature, therefore, when you should take caution when you store them. You want to store them in a dry, cool place that is away from intense light and direct sunlight. To keep them from discoloration and fading, you should store them in a dark place such as a box or cupboard.
Q. Is it okay to extinguish a candle with water?
a) Yes, water is the only way to extinguish a candle
b) It depends on how big the flame is
c) No, it’s not a good idea to use water
d) It doesn’t matter either way
A. You should never use water to extinguish your candles. Using water can cause the glass container it’s in to break or the hot wax to splatter.
Q. What is the main cause of home fires caused by burning candles?
a) Candle caught a curtain on fire
b) Candle was knocked over
c) Candle was set next to combustible materials
d) Candle was placed in a bedroom
A. Setting your candles next to combustible materials is the leading cause of burning candle-related home fires. In fact, the NFPA found that 58 percent of home fires caused by candles were a result of placing them near some type of combustible material.
Q. When it’s time for bed or if you have to leave the room, what should you do with your burning candles?
a) Extinguish them
b) Extinguish them with water
c) Leave them burning if you wish
d) Leave them by your bedside
A. Ensure all candles are blown out and refrain from using them in your bedroom. Around 18 percent of home fires were started from unattended candles and over one third were started in a bedroom. You should never leave your candles unattended and keep them away from pets and children.
A safe alternative to burning candles are flameless candles. These still give you that same soft, glowing ambiance. Ensure all your smoke alarms in your house are working properly as this increases your odds of surviving a home fire. Be sure that you have adequate homeowners insurance in the event that your home and its contents are suffer damage as a result of a candle fire.
