Is Your Fireplace Up to Snuff?-Blog Header As fireplace season is approaching, so do the safety concerns. It is every homeowners responsibility to take precautionary measures that ensure the safety of kids, pets, and to prevent accidents. So, before you light the first fire of the season, make sure to read our fireplace safety tips and make sure your fireplace is up to snuff!

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

  • Have the chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a professional chimney sweep to ensure it’s clear of obstructions and debris.
  • Have a chimney cap installed at the top of the chimney to avoid the possibility that debris or animals can block the chimney.
  • Install both a smoke and carbon monoxide detector. (Make sure the batteries work.)

Read our  5 Ways to Keep Your Smoke Detector Running Smoothly blog here!

  • Keep a fire extinguisher handy. See our previous blog to learn about the different types
  • Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of furniture, books, newspapers, and other potentially combustible materials. (Two feet away is the rule of thumb.)

LIGHTING FIRE

  • Clean out ashes from previous fires. Open the damper.
  • Use a fireplace screen or mesh grate to prevent large pieces of flaming wood from falling out
  • Keep glass doors open during the fire.
  • Use only fireplace tools to tend the fire.
  • Build a safe fire. 
  • Always close the screen when in use.

Perfect Fire-Blog Post

USING COMMON SENSE

  • Never burn garbage, rolled newspapers, charcoal, or plastic in the fireplace.
  • Never use gasoline or any liquid accelerant to help start a fire.
  • Keep small children and pets away from the replace.
  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Don’t close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.
  • Make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house.
  • When cleaning the fireplace, store ashes in a non-combustible container with a tightly fitting lid.

Whether it’s woodburning or gasoline, fireplaces are designed to safely provide years of comfort, warmth, and relaxation. You can ensure your family safety by following these tips for fireplace safety and by getting regular fireplace inspections.