• Always keep a burning candle within sight.  Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.

• Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.  Keep burning candles away from  furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc. 

• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.  Do not place lighted candles where they can be knocked over by children, pets or anyone else.

• Trim candlewicks to ¼ inch each time before burning.  Long or crooked wicks cause uneven burning and dripping.

• Be sure the candleholder is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.  This will also help prevent  possible heat damage to counters and table surfaces and prevent glass containers from cracking or breaking.

• Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans and air currents.  This will help prevent rapid, uneven  burning, and avoid flame flare-ups and sooting. Drafts can also blow lightweight curtains or papers into the flame where they could catch fire. 

• Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.

• Never touch a burning candle or move a votive or container candle when the wax is liquid.

• Don't burn a candle all the way down. Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container.  For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 2 inches of wax remains or ½ inch if in a container. 

~rules from National Candle Association~