Many people are comforted by the soft, scented glow of burning candles throughout fall and winter. But as with any open flame, you must use candles with care. A fire risk in an apartment building can prove to be even more serious than a fire risk in a house due to the sheer nature of sharing a living space. If a fire ignited in your unit, it could quickly spread to a neighbor’s unit or damage the unit underneath yours.
With thousands of home fires stemming from candles every year, it’s a good idea to brush up on safety tips so you don’t become the next statistic. These tips can help you enjoy candles in your apartment with minimal risk. 
- Under no circumstance should you ever leave a burning candle (or any open flame) unattended. Be sure to fully extinguish flames before leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Candles should be kept at least three inches away from each other to prevent unwanted melting patterns.
- Prop candles on a sturdy surface to prevent tipping.
- Lit candles should be place out of reach of children and pets.
- Keep candles at least three feet away from any flammable items, such as curtains, bedding, holiday décor, mail and more.
- Refrain from placing candles near vents, open windows or any other sources of drafts to prevent the possibility of lightweight items being blown toward the flame.
- Once the wax has burned down to two inches—or a half-inch if the candle is in a glass jar—toss it in favor of a fresh candle.
- If the power goes out, it’s safer to use a flashlight than a candle.
In the event that a candle does cause a fire in your apartment, your renters insurance can come to the rescue. The right policy can help cover the expense of your damaged belongings, along with your liability to neighbors who may have also been affected by the fire.
We’ve got you covered. Call Huffman Insurance Agencies for more information on renters insurance