Purportedly, an accident with a candle caused the fire in a 50th floor bedroom at the John Hancock Center, downtown on Saturday afternoon. (Photo By CBS2)

This from multiple sources including Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford.

With the holidays upon, it is a good time to remember to celebrate and enjoy the season safely. Not just for yourself, but your family, neighbors and the community.

Below are some reminders, specifically regarding candles facts from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) website, forwarded to us from PTCA’s insurance broker with Mesirow Financial.

Obviously given events at the Hancock, candles continue to be a frequent cause of fire damage. Help keep the holidays safe – if you are going to use candles, remember the following:

1. A candle flame may be small – but it is still a flame. Flames can spread. So, if at all possible, do not use candles.

2. December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.

3. Keep candles away from combustible materials.  More than half of home candle fires occur when candles are placed near combustible material. Items such as books, clothing and drapery can easily catch fire.

4. Do not leave candles unattended (extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep).

5. Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles within two inches of the holder.  Votives and containers should be extinguished before the last half inch starts to melt.

6. Use candles that are sturdy and will not tip over.

7. Be especially careful with night light and tea light candles which are hot enough to melt plastic. Do not place on bathtub surfaces.

8. Double check to be sure a candle is extinguished before leaving the room and leaving home.

9. Avoid use of candles in bedrooms; more than one third of all home candle fires start there.

10. Use a flashlight, not a candle for emergency lighting.

11. If using a candle, keep it contained by placing it on an non combustible tray, plate or dish.

12. And just to repeat – flames can spread. So, try to avoid using candles entirely.