
Follow these important safety reminders, Andrew Zvanitajs says.
Candles can make our homes feel warm and inviting, but they come with real risks.
Across Ontario, candles, matches and lighters remain common causes of preventable home fires. Staying alert — and taking a few simple precautions — can make all the difference.
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Whether you enjoy a scented candle or keep matches and lighters around the house, follow these important safety reminders to keep your home — and your loved ones — safe.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Never leave a candle unattended.Trim wicks to one-quarter inch before lighting and use noncombustible bases to catch dripping wax.Place candles on stable, uncluttered surfaces where they cannot be knocked over.Never fall asleep with a candle burning.Extinguish candles when leaving a room or when a candle burns within two inches of its holder.Don’t touch or move a candle while it is burning or while the wax is liquefied.Place burning candles at least 10 centimetres (four inches) apart from each other.Keep lit candles out of reach of children and pets.Keep matches and lighters up high out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.Only purchase and use child-resistant lighters. Teach young children to tell a grown-up if they find matches or lighters.
Candle warmers or flameless or battery‑powered candles are safe alternatives and still give you that cosy glow. And during a winter power outage, use flashlights or battery‑operated lanterns instead of real candles to reduce the risk of fire.
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To learn more about fire prevention and how to help keep your family safe, visit vaughan.ca/fire.
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