Candle in a Jar Project

Download Candle in a Jar Brochure (PDF)

Power outage in our homes is something that we do not want, but something that we have no control over. However, something can be done about the circumstances in which we find ourselves, to keep our homes safe, and free from worry of fire.

The Child Accident Prevention Foundation of SA (CAPFSA) at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital encourages that as people resort to candles as a source of light, candles use should be made safer. A number of fires have been reported that were started by a fallen candle, and this has led to unnecessary deaths, suffering, with children as victims, and huge financial losses due to fire.

One way in which candles can be used more safely is to place a candle cut in half, in a recycled large glass jar one third filled with dry sand. The sand will act as a fire extinguisher if the jar containing a lighted candle is knocked over. The sand also holds the candle upright, and the reflective surfaces of the glass jar increases the efficiency of the candlelight. The top of the candle must be lower than the top of the jar – the flame should not be exposed.

The advantage of using this idea is that it places no financial burden on families – it cost nothing to set up. The glass jar is recycled from household use. The sand is the sandy soil, which surrounds many homes especially on the Cape Flats.

The following are some safety l tips to consider when using a candle in a glass jar with sand:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended
• Always supervise children near fire/flame/candle
• Place your candle jar on a sturdy, uncluttered surface away from the edges & any place where it could be knocked over by children
• Light the candle carefully ensuring that you do not burn yourself. If you find it difficult to light the candle in the jar-use the other half candle to facilitate this.
• Extinguish all candles when you leave the house or go to sleep.
• Never leave young children unattended in a room with a candle.
• Always keep candles away from anything that can burn i. e curtains, newspaper, clothing and hanging decorations
• Place lighted candles away from windows or near doorways, where drafts could bring combustibles in contact with flame

General care of candle in a glass jar

• Always remove the wax from the sand/soil every time your candle is finished or burnt down
• Ensure that you refill the glass jar with sand/soil with every change of candle to the level of 1/3 full
• Should the glass start to get smoky, clean it as you are removing the wax
• Only use half a candle in the glass jar.

Broken glass

• Do take care of glass if it is broken.
• Collect any pieces of broken glass and dispose of them safely by wrapping in newspaper.
• Ensure that all the glass pieces are swept up to avoid cuts.

For more information contact Pumla Mtambeka Tel 021 685 5208.