Published: Wednesday 30 October 2024
With Halloween and Diwali just round the corner we know that many of you will be celebrating with your families. Diwali, Bonfire Night, Halloween and Christmas can see us light candles, dress up, and display lots of decorations – increasing the risk of fire.
Our Building Safety Manager, Mickey Power has some great advice for using candles safely!
Follow our top tips for keeping safe when using candles in your home
- If you're celebrating with fancy dress, always check that costumes are fire retardant per European standard EN71-2. Unfortunately, many children's costumes are classed as toys. This means they don't have to be made to the same safety standards as regular clothes, and are a greater fire risk.
- Make sure all your decorations are kept away from naked flames
- Where possible use flameless LED candles as they are a much safer alternative to real candles or tea lights
- Never leave candles, incense sticks and oil burners unattended - this includes 'Diya lamps'' often used for worship and religious festivals.
- Make sure you put them out when you leave the room and especially before bed.
- Keep them in heat-resistant holders placed on a stable surface.
- Don't put them close to anything that can catch fire, such as curtains, papers, furniture, and clothes.
- To avoid accidents keep candles and all naked flames (including matches and lighters) out of the reach of children and pets.
- Tea lights get very hot and without proper holders can melt through plastic surfaces like a TV or bath.
If you would like more information please get in touch with our fire safety team by emailing [email protected] or if you would like to carry out a full home fire safety check you can do this by contacting the London Fire Brigade.