Candles are a popular way to decorate and perfume a home and add a warming atmosphere to any evening - particularly as we approach the winter months. However, it's important to remember that they can be a fire hazard and need to be used carefully to make sure they don’t start a fire. Here’s some helpful tips for you and your family to follow:

Do:

• Put candles on a heat resistant surface. Be careful with tea lights as they can get hot enough to melt plastic.
• Keep away from clothes and hair
• Use candle holders to prevent them falling over, and use glass or metal holders for scented candles as these turn to liquid as they release the fragrance
• Keep candles at least 10cm apart from each other
• Keep away from children and pets
• Double check that you've put them out, they can keep smouldering even when you put them out and this can start a fire
• Be careful with drinking alcohol and using candles

Don’t:

• Put them on the floor or near curtains, furniture or any other fabrics
• Place them on or near any electronics, or under a wall mounted tv. Smoke can rise into the vents and over time this can lead to a fire
• Move them whilst they're still burning, put them out first
• Position them under shelves. Make sure there’s at least one metre between the candle and the shelf above it
• Never leave them unattended, and put them out before going to sleep