Never leave a burning candle unattended. If you and your friends leave the room, make sure the candles are extinguished first.
Fire experts discourage the use of candles in bedrooms. This is where almost half of home candle fires start; if you see candles in your friends' rooms, speak up! And if they want candles in their room, make sure they're kept away from bedding, curtains, blinds, wallpaper, upholstered furniture, piles of clothing, and magazines.
Ensure that burning candles are always at least 12 inches (30cm) away from anything that can burn, including drapes, centrepieces, books or papers, and other miscellaneous table clutter.
Make sure candle holders are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are made from material that can't burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax. Be weary if your friends have home-made or decorative candle holders. Ensure that candles are extinguished at least two inches (5cm) from the holder or decorative material.
Always have flashlights on-hand for emergency lighting. Walking with a candle can be extremely dangerous, particularly for seniors; if you see any friends using a candle for emergency lighting, lend them a flashlight.
Make sure that your friends never use a candle for light when adding kerosene to a heater, lantern, or other device.
If you see a candle in a window or near a doorway, speak up! Some don't realize that a draft can either blow a combustible into the flame of the candle, or knock the candle over.
Make sure that candles are always on a sturdy, uncluttered surface, away from edges and any place where they could be knocked over by children or pets.
