Top 5 Safety Tips for Fireplaces
Posted Thursday, January 12th, 2017
Fireplaces create a cozy place for families to gather on cold winter nights. In order to keep your home safe during these long winter nights, follow these top 5 safety tips for fireplaces.
Top 5 Safety Tips for Fireplaces
#1 Get Regular Inspections
It does not matter if you have a gas or wood-burning fireplace. Everyone needs to have his or her fireplace inspected on a regular basis. Many homeowners simply ignore this fact and pay the consequences. Here are a few reasons to have your fireplace inspected regularly as they all can cause a fire.
- Corrosive gas fireplace byproducts build up inside a chimney
- Cracks can occur in the ventilation
#2 Never Burn Items in Your Fireplace
It can be tempting to burn cardboard and unwanted trash in your fireplace. This can cause toxic fumes to be released. They can also carry sparks. A wood stove is very particular about fuel. Don’t burn anything other than the prescribed wood or pellets to assure a safe burning environment.
#3 Don’t Leave Fires Unattended
Things can get out of hand quickly when left unattended. Even if you have done a good job of fireproofing your fireplace, it only takes a minute for a mistake to happen. Consider teaching your children about fire safety. Be sure to keep matches and lighters out of reach.
#4 Keep Your Smoke Alarms Operational
Be sure to test your smoke alarms often. We recommend testing them every month to assure the batteries are working properly. Make this a routine along with other safety and maintenance inspections so your entire home stays safe.
#5 Keep Flammable Items Away From Heat Source
Many homeowners enjoy mantel decorations and snuggling close to a fire. It’s important to be cautious about how close you place flammable items. Pay attention to anything that might catch fire if knocked too close. This includes clothing and blankets.
If you are concerned about the safety of your fireplace, give the team at Cressy Door and Fireplace a call. One of our fireplace maintenance experts will be delighted to provide you with an inspection.
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