Winter Fireplace Safety: What You Need to Know
Tips for Safe Fireplace Use Many people buy a house with a fireplace, or they plan to add one. But if you get a fireplace, you should think about many things, especially if you have small children. Fireplace safety is important for everyone in your family. There are many fireplace safety tips to consider: First, get a pro to install your fireplace. Next, each year before you use your fireplace, hire a chimney sweep. They will check and clean your chimney. Also, as a homeowner, make sure your home has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Check that each one works well and has fresh batteries. Furthermore, if you have a fireplace, keep a fire extinguisher close by. Crucially, never put anything near the fireplace. Flammable items should be at least three feet from the fire. If you have pets or small children, think about putting a gate around the fireplace. In addition, never burn anything that could make the fire too big. Don’t burn trash, Styrofoam, or plastic. These things can make your fire get out of control and become dangerous. Moreover, never use liquids that catch fire easily to start your fire. You can buy special fire-starting logs to help get your fire going safely. Also, make sure you have a fire alarm installed in case the fire gets out of control when you’re not in the room.That way, you and your family can be alerted right away, and the fire department can be called so they can take care of the fire as quickly as possible. Safe Fireplace Use Always open the damper before you light a fire. This makes sure smoke goes up the chimney and not into your home. Only use dry, seasoned wood. Wet wood makes more smoke and can leave sticky gunk in your chimney, which can cause fires. Never leave a fire burning in your fireplace when you leave the house or go to bed. Make sure all the embers are out. Always use a metal screen or glass doors in front of your fireplace. This stops sparks from flying out and keeps kids and pets safe. Finally, clean out ashes carefully. Hot ashes can stay hot for days! Always put them in a metal can with a lid, and move it far away from your house. Security Systems Have Fire Alarms Also, getting your fire alarm professionally installed in the right locations will properly update you when there’s a fire. That way, you and your family can be alerted right away, and the fire department can be called so they can take care of the fire as quickly as possible. Contact Your Fire Safety and Home Security Company For more information or questions regarding your fireplace or need to have smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors installed in your house, you can contact SPS security and Fire at 585-770-0348.