Be careful to place candles out of reach of pets and children. Candles provide a welcome glow this time of year, and they brighten holiday decor. With all the hustle and bustle this time of year, though, it can be easy to forget common-sense rules. So here, courtesy of the
are the essentials:
• Make sure an adult is in the room and paying attention whenever you light a candle.
• Blow out all candles before going to sleep or leaving the room.
• Keep candles at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including other decorations and wrapping paper.
• Always use stable, nonflammable candle holders with a hurricane glass to protect the open flame.
• Place candles where they will not be knocked down or blown over, and where they'll be out of reach of pets and young children.
• If you have children in your home, store candles, matches and lighters out of their sight and reach in a locked cabinet.
• For those who don't want an open candle flame, there are battery-powered candles available that give a warm glow, especially when combined with greenery or other decorations.
-- Homes & Gardens staff
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