Safety Tips for your Fireplace

Who doesn’t enjoy curling up in front of a nice toasty warm fireplace? The season is here when most of us like to light a cozy fire to heat our homes, but there are a few important safety factors that you need to keep in mind to prevent any fireplace mishaps.

• Ensure that you are using a screen to prevent any embers from popping out of the fire onto carpets or furniture surrounding your fireplace.

• Clear away any paper, wood or other highly flammable materials. Storing such objects too close to the fireplace increases the risk of these items igniting and starting a potentially bad situation.

• NEVER use fluids or fuel to start your indoor fire. There are many different alternatives to use to start your fire.

• Always open the damper before starting your fire and make sure it stays open until all the ashes have cooled. Keeping the damper open will prevent smoke build up in your home.

• Regularly clean & service your fireplace. You want to make sure you are removing old ashes (depending on how much you use your fireplace), to prevent a build-up. Keeping an old metal bucket in close proximity is a good idea so you can easily make a habit of scooping the ashes each time you start a fire. It is also important to have a professional in once a year to clean and inspect your chimney to prevent a build-up of tar and debris.
  
  

• Have a smoke and carbon monoxide detector mounted in the same room as your fireplace?

• Keep a fire extinguisher in close reach in case your fire should ever get out of hand.

• Beware of which wood and materials you burn in your fireplace Only used seasoned, dried wood. Be sure never to burn any plastics or other materials, including wrapping paper, that can give off potentially dangerous fumes. It is recommended that only wood or manufactured logs be used in your fire.

• DON’T EVER leave your fire unattended. It only takes a few seconds for a fire to get out of control and engulf your room and home.

• If you are installing a new fireplace make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and tips that are included with most units.

When it comes to having a fireplace in your home, make Safety your number 1 priority. Next, grab some warm cocoa and cookies, sit back and enjoy the crackling sounds and soothing aromas that come with having a fire.

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