When used safely candles traditionally offer a warm glow during the winter holidays. However, when used inappropriately a joyous holiday can turn into tragedy in a hearbeat.

Therefore, your friends at TSFR offer the following tips for safe candle use this season (and all year round too) from our friends at the National Fire Protection Assn.

--Extinguish all candles before you leave the room, especially when turning in for the night
--Keep candles at least a foot (30 cm) from anything that can burn
--Use sturdy candles holders, designed for that purpose. Keep them on a firm steady surface
--Never let a candle burn all the way down. Replace it before it gets to the holder.
--NEVER use candles if oxygen is used in the home.
--Always consider the use of battery or electric plug-in artificial candles instead of lit ones. But remember that bulbs can get hot too.