Fireplace Safety

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.