Winter is a time for cozy fires, warm drinks, and spending time with family and friends. But before you light up your fireplace this season, make sure to follow these fireplace safety tips! Taking a few simple precautions allows you to keep yourself and your loved ones safe while enjoying the warmth of a crackling fire.
Keep Flammable Materials Away from Your Fireplace
One of the most critical fireplace safety tips is to keep flammable materials away from your fireplace. It means no storing wood, kindling, or combustible materials inside or near your fireplace. Not only is this a fire hazard, but it can also be tripping if someone accidentally knocks over a stack of wood.
Inspect and Clean Your Fireplace Regularly
Another fireplace safety tip is to inspect and clean your fireplace regularly. At least once a year, check for cracks or damage in the fireplace walls or floor. If you see any damage, have it repaired by a professional before using your fireplace again. Also, remove any ashes or debris from your fireplace before lighting a new fire. A build-up of ashes can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the fire, making it harder to light and causing more smoke.
Choose the Right Firewood
When choosing firewood for your fireplace, it’s essential to pick a type that burns well and produces little smoke. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, or maple are good choices. Avoid softwoods like pine or cedar should because they tend to have more sparks and smoke.
Build Your Fire Properly
Properly building your fire is one of the most critical fireplace safety tips. Start by placing a layer of large logs at the back of the fireplace. Then, add a layer of smaller logs in front of the large logs. Finally, top off your fireplace with a layer of kindling and some crumpled-up newspaper. It will help ensure that your fire gets plenty of oxygen and burns brightly and evenly.
Never Leave Your Fire Unattended
Another important fireplace safety tip is to never leave your fire unattended. If you have to leave the room for any reason, be sure to extinguish your fire first. It is vital if you have young children or pets in the home who could accidentally knock over a burning log or start a fire themselves.
Extinguish Your Fire Safely
When it’s time to extinguish your fire, never just pour water on it. It can cause the fireplace walls to crack and the fireplace to smoke excessively. Instead, use a fire screen to smother the flames or sprinkle some sand over the fire to snuff it out.
Test Smoke Detectors Regularly
One of the essential fireplace safety tips is regularly testing your smoke detectors. It will help ensure that they are working correctly in case of a fire. Be sure to place smoke detectors on every level of your home and near all sleeping areas.
Conclusion
Following these fireplace safety tips allows you to enjoy a cozy fire this winter without worrying about safety. So go ahead and light up your fireplace – just be sure to do it safely!
Please contact us today if you have any questions about fireplace safety or would like to schedule an inspection. We’re always happy to help keep your home and family safe!
