What Is The Purpose Of A Hurricane Candle Holder?

A hurricane candle holder is a special type of candle holder designed for use during hurricane power outages. They are able to safely contain long-burning candles during the high winds and turbulent conditions brought on by hurricanes and tropical storms.

Hurricane candle holders allow people to have a reliable light source when the power goes out. The candles are typically 4″ or taller in diameter and can burn for 72 hours or longer. This gives people light throughout the duration of a storm. Since hurricanes often knock out electricity across widespread areas, hurricane candles enable some normalcy and visibility in the home until the power returns.

Hurricane candle holders are heavily weighted with a low center of gravity to withstand being knocked over. They fully encase the candle inside sturdy glass or metal containers with only a few ventilation slits. This protects the candle flame from strong gusts of wind while allowing for clean air intake. Many hurricane candle holders are designed to safely contain multiple candles for brighter illumination.

Safety

Hurricane candle holders play an important role in keeping candles stable and preventing fires during power outages from storms. The main purpose of a hurricane candle holder is to securely contain the candle flame and prevent it from spreading if the candle tips over. This allows candles to burn safely, providing light in otherwise dark conditions while protecting homes from fire.

Hurricane holders fully surround the candle with glass or metal casing. This shields the flame on all sides and contains melting wax drips. If gusty winds or shaking from the storm causes the candle to fall or tip, the sturdy hurricane glass or metal safely contains the lit candle. Without a proper holder, a fallen candle could ignite carpets, furniture, curtains or other flammables.

In addition, hurricane holders are weighted with a wide, heavy base. This low center of gravity makes them very difficult to knock over. The wide base also provides stability on uneven surfaces. This keeps the candle upright despite shaking or debris impacts during a storm.

Using secure hurricane candle holders allows families to safely rely on candlelight when the power goes out during hurricanes and tropical storms. The holders’ protective design prevents fires, providing essential illumination. This light source can be lifesaving in storms when electricity is disrupted.

Light Source

Hurricane candle holders provide an invaluable source of light when the power goes out during storms. Unlike regular candles that can be easily blown out, hurricane candle holders contain and protect the flame. This allows them to burn brighter and longer than standard candles.

The main benefit of a hurricane candle holder is the ability to provide light when electricity is disrupted. During hurricanes and tropical storms, power outages are common as strong winds and flooding can knock down power lines and damage infrastructure. Having a reliable light source during these outages allows you to safely move around your home, locate supplies, and take care of necessary tasks.

Hurricane candle holders allow standard candles to burn longer because they contain the flame and prevent it from being extinguished by wind gusts or drafts. The glass or metal construction surrounds and shields the candle, directing the flame upwards. This provides more lumens of brightness compared to an unprotected candle flame. The extended burn time of a hurricane holder gives more hours of light from a single candle than would otherwise be possible.

In summary, hurricane candle holders serve as an essential light source in emergency situations when electricity is disrupted. Their protective enclosure allows candles to burn longer and brighter compared to regular unshielded candles.

Preparedness

Hurricane candles are part of emergency preparedness kits for a variety of reasons. They are designed to provide light in the event of power outages caused by severe storms like hurricanes. Keeping hurricane candles on hand gives people peace of mind knowing they will have access to light if the power goes out for an extended period of time.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other disaster preparedness agencies recommend having hurricane candles as part of a basic emergency supply kit. The long-burning candles can provide light for days, allowing people to stay safely in their homes without electricity to power lights and appliances.

Hurricane candles are an important tool for emergency preparedness. Having them available and ready to use provides comfort and security when facing the uncertainties of severe weather.

Design

Hurricane candle holders come in a variety of designs to suit different aesthetic tastes. Many are made of glass or metal and feature decorative elements that can complement your home’s decor.

A key design feature of hurricane candle holders is their wide, heavy base. This provides stability to prevent the holder from tipping over, which is especially important during hurricanes or storms when a candle may need to burn unattended for hours. The wide base helps keep the candle upright even if the table or surface it sits on shakes from wind gusts.

Beyond stability, hurricane candle holders allow for creativity in their shape and adornments. You can find metal holders with cutout patterns or glass holders in colorful stained glass designs. Some feature jewels, seashells, or other decorative elements embedded in the glass. The style options are diverse, so you can likely find a hurricane holder that meshes well with your existing decor.

In summary, hurricane candle holders combine form and function. Thoughtful design allows them to both securely contain a candle flame during storms and add to the aesthetic beauty of a space.

History

Hurricane candle holders originated as whale oil lamps in the 1800s and became popular on sailing ships traversing through stormy seas. The original hurricane lamps were made of glass with a protected wick, designed to keep the flame lit even during the roughest ocean storms. Sailors relied on these lamps below deck to provide critical lighting while preventing accidental fires.

As kerosene became a more available fuel source in the mid to late 1800s, hurricane lamps evolved to burn kerosene instead of whale oil. The protected glass surrounding the wick allowed these kerosene hurricane lamps to burn even during violent rocking and gusts of wind. No matter how intense the storm, sailors could depend on the steady glow of their hurricane lamps.

Today, electric lanterns and LED lights have replaced whale oil and kerosene lamps. But hurricane candle holders call back to their maritime origins, protecting candles from wind and rain when power is lost during hurricanes, tornadoes, and other storms. Just as sailors depended on their hurricane lamps centuries ago, these candle holders provide modern storm preparedness.

Maintenance

Keeping your hurricane candle holders clean and maintained properly will help ensure they look attractive and function as intended when needed. Here are some tips for cleaning and caring for hurricane candle holders:

Regularly remove any wax buildup by washing the glass hurricane globe and metal base (if applicable) in warm soapy water. Use a soft cloth to gently clean the glass. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads.

For stubborn wax, place the hurricane holder in the freezer for a few hours. The wax will become brittle and can be easily chipped off. Be very careful handling the cold glass.

Polish metal elements with a metal polish product to restore shine and luster. Avoid getting metal polish on the glass.

Do not use bleach or ammonia based cleaners on hurricane holders, as this can damage the metal. Stick to mild soap and water for routine cleaning.

After washing, thoroughly dry all parts of the hurricane holder with a soft towel to prevent water spots and mineral deposits.

Consider covering the metal base with a thin coat of food-safe wax to protect from oxidation and corrosion over time.

Store hurricane candle holders in a dry place when not in use to prevent dust and dirt buildup.

Handle hurricane glass globes carefully when cleaning and storing, as the glass can chip or shatter if dropped.

With proper care and cleaning, a quality hurricane candle holder can provide attractive ambiance and reliable light for many years.

Alternatives

While hurricane candles are a popular option for emergency lighting during power outages, there are other alternatives to consider as well:

Flashlights

Flashlights that use LED bulbs and run on batteries are a portable and convenient alternative to hurricane candles. They provide directional light and most models nowadays offer very long runtimes. Look for waterproof models in case of flooding. Headlamps free up your hands to do other tasks.

Lanterns

Battery-powered lanterns, especially those with LED bulbs, cast omni-directional light to illuminate a whole room or campsite. Water-resistant and impact-resistant models can withstand hurricane conditions. Lanterns that can double as power banks allow you to charge devices.

Battery-Powered Lights

Battery-powered string lights, table lamps, and stand lights provide hands-free illumination during power outages. Opt for LED bulbs for efficiency. Use models with hooks or clamps to easily hang or attach them around your space.

Popular Brands

When it comes to hurricane candle holders, there are a few major brands that stand out in terms of popularity and quality. Some of the top options to consider include:

Sterno

Sterno is one of the most well-known and trusted names in hurricane candle holders. They offer a wide variety of styles, sizes, and designs to fit any need. Sterno hurricane holders are known for their durability, stability, and ability to resist tipping even in strong winds.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is another top brand for hurricane candle lamps and votives. They specialize in beautiful stained glass hurricane holders that allow candlelight to shine through in mesmerizing patterns. Northern Lights hurricanes are decorative as well as functional.

Pier 1 Imports

For those looking for stylish and ornate hurricane candle holders with global inspiration, Pier 1 Imports has a great selection. Their hurricane lamps often incorporate materials like metal, glass, and rattan in eye-catching mosaic and moroccan-inspired designs.

Yankee Candle

In addition to their famous candles, Yankee Candle also offers simple and affordable hurricane holders in glass and metal. These are great for pairing with Yankee’s own candles to make for long-lasting ambiance when the power is out.

There are many great hurricane candle holder brands on the market with options to suit any budget or decor style. Doing some research to find the perfect fit can ensure safety and preparedness in storm situations.

Conclusion

In summary, hurricane candle holders serve an important purpose during power outages from storms. They provide a safe contained light source when electricity is not available. Having hurricane candle holders ready before a storm hits allows people to see and move around their homes at night. The enclosed glass design protects the flame from being blown out while also preventing accidents. While battery operated flashlights are a common alternative, candle light provides a warmer ambience. Hurricane candle holders have advanced from basic designs to more decorative versions over their history. With proper care and maintenance, a hurricane candle holder can reliably serve families for many years.

Hurricane candle holders provide dependable illumination when people need it most. Their flame can shine through power failures, providing comfort until electricity is restored. Having hurricane candle holders prepared and ready to use makes weathering a storm just a little bit easier.