A reminder to stay safe this candle fire safety week [Archived]

With dark evenings approaching, a few candles scattered around the room can add a warm glow to your home. But with candle fires resulting in hundreds of casualties each year, we're asking customers to take extra care – because an accident can have devastating consequences.

If you choose to use candles, to prevent fires from starting in your home, you should make sure they are kept away from flammable materials like curtains. Place lit candles away from pets and children and always remember to put them out when you leave the room, even for a moment. Even with these precautions, accidents can still happen.

Follow these safety tips 

• Never leave lit candles unattended
• Put burning candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re out completely at night
• Place your candles carefully. Make sure they are on a flat surface, out of the reach of pets and children
• Keep them away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books
• Don’t move candles once they are lit
• Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare
• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, out of drafts, vents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, soot, and dripping
• Always put candles in a heat resistant holder
• Always have a working smoke alarm in your home
• Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire.