Caution called for
when using candles
The Honolulu Fire Department is reminding residents to be safe around Christmas trees and when using candles during the holiday season.
Safety tips for candles:
>> Use candles only in rooms where there is a responsible adult.>> Do not allow children or teenagers to have candles in their bedrooms.
>> Keep candles out of the reach of children.
>> Keep candles away from items that can catch on fire, such as clothing, books, papers, Christmas trees, decorations, window blinds and curtains.
>> Never use candles on a Christmas tree.
>> Keep candles away from high-traffic locations where they can be easily knocked over, including any area accessible to children or pets.
>> Place candles on stable surfaces in sturdy holders that grip candles securely. Be sure holders cannot burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
>> Keep candle wicks trimmed to a quarter-inch, and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they burn to within two inches of the holder. Votive and container candles should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax begins to melt.
>> Avoid candles with combustible items embedded in them.
>> Do not place lit candles in windows, where blinds and curtains can close over them.
>> Use extreme caution if you carry a lit candle, holding it away from clothing and any combustibles. Avoid loose, flowing clothing that is not flame-resistant. Do not use a lit candle when searching for items in confined spaces.
>> Use candles in well-ventilated areas, since they can produce carbon monoxide.
Safety tips on disposing of Christmas trees:
>> Do not burn your tree. A dry Christmas tree can be consumed by flames within 10 seconds, and flames can rise as high as 30 feet.
>> The best way to dispose of your tree is to take it to a recycling center. Dried trees are extremely flammable and should not be left in a house or a garage or placed against the house.