Candle Safety: 7 Rules to Keep Your Home from Catching Fire

Candles are cozy, especially this time of year. But an open flame in your home deserves a few rules. Here are seven, straight from the National Fire Protection Association.

1. Rule 1: 12 Inches Of Space

Keep every candle at least twelve inches away from anything that can burn. Curtains, paper, decorations, and furniture.

2. Rule 2: A Sturdy Holder

Use a sturdy holder that won't tip over or burn. A glass jar or chimney around the flame adds protection.

3. Rule 3: Put It Out When You Leave

Put candles out before you leave the room, leave the house, or go to bed. And skip candles in bedrooms and bathrooms.

4. Rule 4: Kids And Pets

Keep burning candles up high, where kids and pets can't reach them, or knock them over.

5. Rule 5: Use A Snuffer

A candle snuffer is the safest way to put one out. It keeps hot wax from splattering.

6. Rule 6: Power Out? Flashlight

During a power outage, use a flashlight, not candles.

7. Rule 7: Never Near Oxygen

Never use a candle anywhere medical oxygen is being used. And the safest candle of all? A battery-powered, flameless one. They look a lot like the real thing.