ERIE, Pa., Dec. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — From pumpkin spice to winter pine, there are a plethora of candle scents to select from—to not point out the countless kinds. No matter your go-to candle is, now could be the season to burn it. However do you know December is the height month for candle fires, with January being a quick follower? These fires trigger an annual common of 81 deaths, 677 fireplace accidents, and $278 million in direct property injury.
It would appear to be a no brainer, however make sure you observe these 10 secure candle practices from Erie Insurance coverage.
- Keep shut by. By no means depart a candle unattended. When you discover your candle has a excessive, flickering flame, it is time to extinguish it.
- Watch kiddos and pets. Maintain candles away from babies and pets. And do not depart a baby asleep beside a candle. (And, after all, preserve the lighters approach out of attain.)
- Clear some area. You should definitely place candles on an uncluttered, sturdy floor—and ensure it is heat-resistant. Any candle in a vacation décor merchandise (even a votive) shouldn’t be close to anything that might catch fireplace.
- Transfer flammable objects. Maintain candles a minimum of one foot away from different supplies or objects whereas burning. Three out of 5 candle fires begin when flammable objects are too near a burning candle.
- All the time trim the wicks. Lengthy or warped wicks usually tend to burn erratically, drip or flare up. Buy a wick trimmer and preserve wicks trimmed to ¼” for optimum candle use. (Professional tip: Wick trimmers retail between $10-15, so they will not break the financial institution!)
- Learn the label. Take note of the producer’s suggestions for burn time and correct use. Each candle is totally different – some get too sizzling after just a few hours. No sticker with directions? Then significantly rethink buying or utilizing that candle. If it would not meet labeling requirements, it in all probability would not meet different necessary fireplace security requirements.
- Dip that wick. Contemplate buying a wick dipper (only some bucks), you may forestall sizzling wax from splattering and likewise preserve your wick protected, whereas eliminating the large puff of black smoke you get once you simply blow it out.
- Know when it is time to toss. Do not burn a candle to the very finish of its life. Burning your candle all the best way down is a fireplace hazard. As a substitute, pitch it when there’s two inches of wax left in a freestanding candle or ½” in a container candle. Loads of higher-end candles burn out on their very own, however do not depend on it.
- Spend money on high quality. Keep away from shopping for low cost candles – lots of occasions they do not final and are not even very aromatic after just a few burns, anyway. Take note of the width of the candle and the variety of wicks. For instance, a three-wick candle that’s too small in diameter can burn approach too quick and create a much bigger flame. A large candle with solely has two wicks, won’t burn evenly, both. Backside line: you get what you pay for.
- Go flameless! Contemplate options to conventional candles: flameless candles, pod heaters or plug ins. At present’s flameless fashions look extremely actual, and a few even have scents. Another choice is utilizing a scent hotter which makes use of a pod of wax, somewhat than a sizzling flame. Some are electrical and a few plug into your outlet. Once more, at all times observe the producer’s directions on these things.
Candles can provide your vacation or occasion that particular spark it wants, however when choosing an actual candle, be sure you and your loved ones take the right precautions. Speak to your ERIE agent to make sure you may have sufficient protection in your house and every thing in it.
About Erie Insurance coverage
In response to A.M. Finest Firm, Erie Insurance coverage Group, primarily based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the twelfth largest householders insurer, thirteenth largest car insurer and thirteenth largest industrial traces insurer in the USA primarily based on direct premiums written. Based in 1925, Erie Insurance coverage is a Fortune 500 firm and the sixteenth largest property/casualty insurer in the USA primarily based on complete traces internet premium written. Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Finest, ERIE has greater than 6 million insurance policies in drive and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Information releases and extra info can be found on ERIE’s web site at www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance coverage Group