Candles play an important role in all Jewish festivals. They are also a growing cause of fires (along with decorations and decorative lights). By following these simple guidelines you can use candles safely.

Using candles safely in your home
It only takes one candle to put your home at risk – always take care when using them. It is important to keep safety in mind whenever you use candles at home.

Lighted candles – where to put them
You should take care where you decide to put candles in your home.

• Candles are best placed: on a heat-resistant surface. Be especially careful with night lights and tea lights, which get hot enough to melt plastic. Place in a proper candle holder so they don't fall over.

• Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep out of draughts and away from curtains, other fabrics or furniture, which could catch fire, with at least 1 metre (3 feet) between the candle and any surface above it

• and at least 10 centimetres (4 inches) between any two candles.

• Keep away from clothes and hair - if there's any chance you could forget where a candle is and lean across it, put it somewhere else.

• Make sure you put out candles before moving them and don't let anything fall into the hot wax, like matchsticks.

Putting candles out

• Never leave a candle unattended.

• Make sure you put out candles before you leave a room and before you go to bed.

• Never leave a burning candle or oil burner in a child's bedroom.

• Use a snuffer or a spoon to put them out – blowing them can send sparks and hot wax flying.

• Double-check that they are completely out and not still smouldering.

Candles and decorations for celebrations - fire safety

• Candles and night lights are often used in celebrations for shabbat and other festivals. Make sure you don’t put candles in or by plants, flowers or other foliage.

• You should also take care to keep ribbons, festive decorations made of tissue paper or cardboard, and greetings cards away from heaters, lights, fireplaces and candles.