How to use candles safely.

Candles are one of the common causes of fires in the home.

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...

LED candles

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.

A variety of fancy dress costumes hanging on a clothes rail.

Choosing a fancy dress costume for your child?

Make sure you understand the risks, and how to recognise a costume that meets legal safety requirements.

Fancy dress costumes

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.
Person using the Home Fire Safety Checker on their smartphone.

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Home Fire Safety Checker (HFSC)

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