HELOISE Don't get burned by carelessness

Dear Heloise: Candles are more popular than ever, and millions of people enjoy the special beauty and atmosphere that candles add. Too often, however, we forget that a burning candle is an open flame that can lead to an accidental fire if not used properly.
Every year, more than 15,000 residential fires are caused by the careless or inappropriate use of candles. I am writing to ask for your help in alerting your readers to exercise caution when burning candles.
Statistics show that nearly 85 percent of all candle fires can be avoided if consumers follow three simple fire-safety rules:
UNever leave a burning candle unattended.
UNever burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.
UKeep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
These basic fire-safety rules can be found on the cautionary labels used on all candles. Most candles are also labeled with the manufacturer's recommended burning instructions.
The National Candle Association, whose members produce 90 percent of the candles manufactured in the United States, urges all consumers to carefully follow candle fire-safety rules and all labeling instructions before burning candles. We want Americans to enjoy candles, but we also want to make sure that consumers protect their homes and families from accidental fires.
For more information on the proper and safe use of candles, I would encourage your readers to visit our Web site at www.candles.org. Valerie Cooper, executive vice president, National Candle Association
Valerie, thanks for the potentially home-saving and lifesaving information. Here are a few more helpful hint guidelines:
UExtinguish a candle if it smokes, flickers repeatedly or the flame becomes too high. Cool, trim the wick, check for drafts and relight.
UTrim the wick to 1/4 inch each time before burning.
UNever touch or move a votive or container candle when the wax is liquid.
UPlace lighted candles at least 3 inches apart.
Many thanks to the National Candle Association for all this safety advice. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I am a meter reader, so I go to many houses, and I see what people use to make life easier. The one I saw today was terrific! Don't throw out an old golf bag that has wheels. Fill it full of gardening tools. The bag is long enough for shovels and has pockets for small hand trowels. Holly, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: My 3-year-old granddaughter sleeps over, and the mattress shifts easily. Thanks for the information on preventing a mattress from sliding. The product you described -- is that similar to the bumpy stuff to line kitchen cabinets and drawers with?
I will be checking with local carpet stores and want to be able to describe or show the salesperson what it looks like. Linda, via e-mail
Linda, the product is rubberized webbing (sometimes called rubber mesh) and is similar to the stuff used to line kitchen cabinets. The carpet store should have some in stock. Good luck! Heloise
King Features Syndicate