There’s nothing quite like burning candles during autumn—the warm glow and pleasant aroma add joy to many homes as the weather cools. But with any open flame comes the risk of fire. And when you live in an apartment, a fire can present a hazard to everyone who shares the building. However, it’s easy to enjoy lighting candles this season with a little bit of extra care. Below is a list of tips to safely burn candles in your apartment.

·         Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish all flames before leaving the room or going to sleep.

·         Lit candles should be placed out of reach of children and pets atop a sturdy candle holder that won’t tip over.

·         Keep candles away from flammable items like curtains, bedding and décor. Additionally, keep candles away from drafts, vents, open balcony doors and ceiling fans that can blow lightweight objects toward the flame.

·         Burning candles should be at least three inches apart from each other to prevent them from melting one another.

·         Discontinue use once a candle has only two inches of remaining wax, or a half-inch if it’s in a glass container.

·         During a power outage, a flashlight is a safer option than a lit candle.

Candles are the source of thousands of home fires each year, but a bit of caution can prevent you from becoming a statistic.

Want extra protection? Call Pan American Insurance at (915) 562-0009 for more information on El Paso renters insurance.