How to use candles safely.

Over 200 fires at home involved candles last year...

Though they create a warm glow, candles need handling with care. 

Did you know that flameless LED candles are a much safer alternative to real candles or tea lights?

Benefits of flameless candles

Sometimes called LED, battery-operated, or electric candles - flameless candles have a number of advantages:

• You can leave them unattended
• You don't have to worry about pets or children knocking them over
• If you doze off while a flameless candle is on, it's not a problem
• You can use them outdoors
• You can buy flickering, rechargeable, coloured and waterproof versions

Don't want to switch? If you want to continue to use wax candles, take a look at how you can use them safely...

How to use candles and incense safely 

• Never leave candles, incense sticks and oil burners unattended - this includes 'Diya lamps'' often used for worship and religious festivals.
• Make sure you put them out when you leave the room and especially before bed.
• Keep them in heat-resistant holders placed on a stable surface.
• Don't put them close to anything that can catch fire, such as curtains, papers, furniture, and clothes.
• To avoid accidents keep candles and all naked flames (including matches and lighters) out of the reach of children and pets.
• Tea lights get very hot and without proper holders can melt through plastic surfaces like a TV or bath.

Take extra care when you're celebrating 

Diwali, Bonfire Night, Halloween and Christmas can see us light candles, dress up, and display lots of decorations – increasing the risk of fire. Make sure all your decorations are kept away from naked flames

If you're celebrating with fancy dress, always check that costumes are fire retardant in accordance to European standard EN71-2. Unfortunately, many children's costumes are classed as toys. This means they don't have to be made to the same safety standards as regular clothes, and are a greater fire risk.

What to do if clothes catch fire?

If there's an accident with a candle and your clothes catch fire, don’t run around. Try to remember ‘stop, drop, roll' – which means: 

1. Stop – don’t run around, you’ll make the flames worse
2. Drop – lie down on the ground at once
3. Roll – it makes it harder for the flames to spread.