Cozy Up & Stay Safe with These Fireplace Safety Tips
Fire can be a very dangerous element. Therefore, it is necessary to know the best safety practices when you have a fireplace in your home. Although you may feel that you follow these guidelines each time you light a fire in your fireplace, it is always good to review them before winter arrives. At Ace Chimney Sweeps, fire safety is our top priority. So now, we would like to share some fireplace safety tips with you. Thus, helping you cozy up by the fireplace this winter and stay safe!
Schedule an appointment for a professional chimney sweeping and inspection every year.
This professional chimney maintenance service can keep you safe by preventing hazardous situations, like chimney fires and carbon monoxide leaks, from occurring in your home. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has said that dirty chimneys cause chimney fires, and our CSIA-certified sweeps take great care to ensure your fireplace and chimney will work safely and efficiently.
Keep the area around the fireplace clear.
Think the perfect place for your favorite chair is right beside your fireplace? Wrong! You should keep all combustible items away from your fireplace. This is to avoid an accidental fire starting from an errand hot spark jumping out of the fireplace. You should also keep decorations off the mantel.
Childproof your hearth area to protect your kids.
Teaching your kids to stay away from a fire burning in the fireplace is essential. However, installing a screen in front of the fireplace will make things even more safe for both children and pets. Also, you should never leave any kids unsupervised when the fireplace is in use.
Only burn seasoned firewood.
Burning firewood that has been allowed to dry for at least six months after being cut will give you warm, safe, and longer lasting. Wet wood allows more creosote to develop quickly and produces more smoke. Never burn paper, greenery, or trash. In addition, you do NOT need to use a liquid accelerant to get a fire started in the fireplace.
Install smoke alarm detectors in your home.
Smoke alarms are proven to save lives, if an accidental fire occurs. You should install one of these alarms on every story and outside each bedroom. Carbon monoxide alarm detectors should also be installed in this manner.
Following these fireplace safety tips can keep you and your family safe this winter. Contact us at Ace Chimney Sweeps for any of your chimney and fireplace maintenance, repair, and installation needs.