Loadshedding & Candle Safety
With loadshedding in full swing, we at SA Candle Supply believe it is very important for you & your family to know the best practices to stay safe during loadshedding.
While solar lights, flashlights & battery operated light devises are a safe source during load-shedding, candles offer a reliable alternative that can create, ambiance, relaxation and even create a bit of a romantic feel in these dull times.
Just a reminder, candles are an open flame & there is always a potential risk of fire related accidents.
Here are some precautions you can take when using candles to stay safe when load-shedding occurs.
Proximity
It is very important to burn your candle on a level, fire safe surface and at least 30cm from anything that can potentially set on fire. Ensure your candles are 10cm apart when burning so that they don’t melt each other, overheat the containers, and cause them to burn improperly.
Never leave a burning candle unattended
Keep candles and families restricted to one room in the house when ever possible. This will help ensure that there is always someone to keep an eye on the burning candles. Make sure that you extinguish all candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
Never light a candle if you smell gas.
If you have a gas stove/heater/Geyser & you smell gas inside or outside your home, don’t light a candle or immediately extinguish any candles that you have burning. Make sure to shut off the gas supply, leave the house and get to a safe area. Call your local emergency line to make them aware.
Never use a candle as a night light
Avoid walking around in the dark with a candle. Walking into a dark room with the small amount of light a candle produces increases your chances of tripping & falling. Never use your candle to look for items in a cupboard, you could set items on fire. Use a flashlight or lamp instead.
Always keep candles out of reach of Pet & Children
Ensure to place candles out of the way to ensure that pets, children & adults don’t accidently bump candles over causing a fire.
Always practice safe candle care
Make sure to trim the wick before lighting /relighting your candle. Never leave trimmed wicks and matches in the candles. This can cause a fire.
Always burn a candle on an even, fire safe surface.
Don’t place candles in an area with a draft or close to curtains/blinds.
Never leave burning candles close to plants, décor, fabrics, or paper
