Fireplaces are cozy places that bring families together in the winter
and make great additions to any home. In fact, thirty-six percent of
American homes uses fire places as a primary source of heating their
homes. However, if not attended to properly, they can be incredibly
dangerous and possibly deadly. Knowing proper fireplace safety is
important and potentially life saving.
Fireplaces are cozy places that bring families together in the winter
and make great additions to any home. In fact, thirty-six percent of
American homes uses fire places as a primary source of heating their
homes. However, if not attended to properly, they can be incredibly
dangerous and possibly deadly. Knowing proper fireplace safety is
important and potentially life saving.
The first and most
imperative rule is to have your fireplace cleaned and inspected
annually. Most fireplace incidents occur from build up inside the
chimney catching on fire. Ensuring your fireplace is clean and free
of debris, decorations and flammable materials will help prevent
unwanted fires from starting or spreading.
Burning the proper materials is also a key factor in fireplace
safety. Never us flammable liquids to start a fire and never burn
cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace. Be sure to only
use seasoned hardwood as soft woods can increase creosote buildup.
Keep fires small so they can burn completely and will produce less
smoke. Using andirons
is also a great way to ensure your fire burns evenly with minimal
smoke. Extinguish fires before going to bed or leaving the house and
never leave a fire unattended.
Lastly, use the proper supplies
to tend to your fire. Always make sure you use a fire poker when
readjusting or adding wood. Buying a fireplace screen is a stylish way
to increasing safety. Fireplace screens
help keep children away from burning fires while adding visual appeal.
They also prevent sparks and embers from reaching flammable materials
that may be around your fireplace.
