It’s gotten chilly outside, which means that it might be time to open up the fireplace and keep warm. Nothing signifies the holiday season like cuddling up by a warm fireplace. Fireplaces can be dangerous when not handled properly, especially if you have young children. Read these tips to make sure you stay safe when starting to use your fireplace this winter.
Keep a window cracked while the fire is burning. When you crack a window, it helps to eliminate any smoke that might be filtering into the room. In addition, the cold air will also go through the chimney so you may not notice it. If you have a glass fireplace, leave the food opened while the fire is burning.
Use dry and well-aged wood when you are using your fireplace. If you use fresh, damp wood it can cause extra smoke and particles to release into the air which can be bad for your health. Damp firewood also does not burn as easily as traditional dry firewood.
After you are done using your fireplace, it is important to clean out ashes from previous fires. If possible, you should keep the level of ash to a minimum of 1 inch or less. If you let ashes build-up, it restricts the air supply to the firewood which creates more smoke.
If you have young children, consider putting up a safety screen. As covered before, the glass should always be open when you are using your fireplace. To ensure the utmost safety, a screen should be installed to reduce the risk of burns, especially for young children.
Keep a fire extinguisher on hand in case of emergency!
Make sure that the area around the fireplace is also clear of any flammable materials. Materials such as furniture, drapes, newspaper, and books should be tucked away from the fireplace.
Never leave a fire unattended. Before you go to bed or leave the house, double-check that the fire has gone out completely. If you do leave the room, make sure that flammable materials are tucked away and young children are out of the room
Now that you know fireplace safety tips, use your fireplace with caution. In case of emergency, contact SERVPRO to have your space restored.