Shedding Light On Candle Safety

(NAPSA)-From the early 1980s until today, the number of home fires caused by candles tripled and the number of deaths in fires caused by candles increased 750 percent. While December is the peak month for candle fires-due in large part to their use in holiday decorating-candle safety should be followed the entire year. These tips from the safety experts at The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. may help you stop a candle fire before it starts:
*    Place candles on stable furniture where children and pets cannot knock them over.
*    Never fall asleep while candles are burning.
*    Trim wicks to one quarter inch before lighting and use non-combustible holders to catch wax drippings.
*    Extinguish candles when you leave a room or when candles burn within two inches of their holders.
*    Keep candles away from holiday decorations, papers, books, curtains, blinds, lampshades, flammable liquids, clothing and bedding.
When the Lights Go Off
Although your first reaction in a power outage may be to reach for a candle, choosing a battery-operated light is a safer option. But if you must use a candle, take these precautions:
*    Don't walk while holding a lit candle.
*    Always supervise children who use candles for light.
While candles have become increasingly popular in U.S. homes to create atmosphere, by following these simple steps you can give yourself peace of mind when you burn candles at home.
A free booklet called Fire Sense: A Smart Way to Prevent, Detect and Escape Home Fires is available by writing to: The Hartford, Fire Sense, 200 Executive Blvd., Southington, CT 06489 or by visiting www.thehartford.com/firesense.

Preventing Candle Fires-Homeowners can stop candle fires before they start by following a few simple tips.