Quick Answer
To safely use candles for lighting during outages, keep them at least 12 inches away from flammable materials, never leave them unattended, and have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand nearby.
Choosing the Right Candles
When selecting candles for emergency lighting, opt for ones with a stable, sturdy base and a wide, flat wick that burns slowly and evenly. Avoid those with narrow wicks or loose bases, as they’re more prone to tipping over. Use candles made from soy wax or beeswax, as they tend to burn cleaner and produce less soot than paraffin wax candles.
Safely Placing Candles
Place candles on heat-resistant surfaces, such as ceramic or metal trays, and keep them away from any flammable materials like curtains, bedding, or wooden furniture. The recommended distance is at least 12 inches, but more is better. If you have a fireplace or woodstove, consider using those for heat and light instead of candles.
Preparing for Candle Use
Before using candles, make sure you have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand nearby in case of emergencies. Never leave candles unattended, and consider having a plan in place for monitoring them, such as setting an alarm or asking someone to keep an eye on them while you’re away. Keep a fire extinguisher rated for grease or paper fires on hand, as these are the most common types of fires caused by candles.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.