Paper Lanterns and Children Safety

Paper lanterns are great alternatives to regular lighting fixtures; they are used for a variety of purposes, including in film to simulate daylight. Traditionally, they were used by the Chinese for lighting purposes, and they were also used by the Spanish as decorations during Christmas time. They are normally safe, but they can be dangerous if you are not careful. If you have children who will be near, you need to take some extra safety precautions.

The easiest place to start is to teach your children about the dangers of fire. Everyone has their own parenting method preference, but we are going to suggest a demonstration of fire burning something. This visual image can be very effective.

Before you even think about where you are going to place your lantern, you should think about what kind of lantern you own. Is it electrically-lit, or is it flame-lit?

Electrically-lit lanterns are the easiest ones to be safe with. Putting these lanterns up high is about all you need to do. If children bump into them, you can end up with a broken bulb (sharp glass!) or a fire if left to sit for long enough. Also, children can burn their hands on the hot bulbs. We recommend that you use a CFC bulb if children are around. Not only will your electrical costs be lower (good for the environment, too!), but they do not get hot; therefore, your children will not be at risk to burn themselves.

Hanging flame-lit lanterns pose more of a risk, for they can more easily start fires. Keeping your children near fire is a recipe for disaster as it is; for these lanterns, place them out of the reach of children. Head-level for you might seem like an appropriate height, but you may bump into it yourself! Also, be sure that there are no objects which children can climb on where they might be able to get access to the lantern. So, when you hang your hanging flame-lit lantern, be sure to hang it high and out of reach.

For ground candle flame-lit lanterns, you need to keep small children away from these completely. So, you can look for higher ground where you can put the lantern. Also, look for any flat surface, such as a ledge of some kind which you can use as a "ground," but just be sure it is out of the reach of children. Flame-lit lanterns which rest on the ground are especially dangerous, because with a bump, they can fall over and start a fire.

If you use the necessary safety precautions, paper lanterns are an excellent source of beauty and light, which you can enjoy in a variety of settings, whether it be in a peaceful garden, a romantic dinner, or to simulate daylight in a film. Be sure, though, that you are being safe when you use them.

At the paper lanterns guide, you can learn about paper lantern safety.