Fireplaces and Fall: Tips for Safe Use

One of the best things to look forward to during the cold season is getting to curl up in front of the fireplace, all cozy under a warm blanket with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. While that’s as picture-perfect as it can get, the reality is that owning a fireplace comes with certain safety hazards. 

Homeowners should therefore pay close attention to any signs of danger when it comes to operating and maintaining a fireplace. It’s easy enough to catch when you know what to look out for.

Here are some fireplace safety tips that you should know about, so you and your family can keep enjoying your fireplace worry-free. 

Keep the Chimney Clean

Ideally, the chimney should be cleaned annually to make sure that it’s clear of any debris or obstructions. Soot buildup can cause serious health problems, even when the fireplace is not in use. Microparticles can cause irritation to the lungs or trigger allergies. 

Also, animals like squirrels and birds tend to go into chimneys for shelter. Have a professional take care of your chimney to ensure there are no obstructions and that the smoke can flow out clearly to avoid inundation inside your house.

Keep Any Flammables Away From the Fireplace 

It’s Fire Safety 101. Make sure there aren’t any flammables near a fire source, like the fireplace. Curtains, rugs, carpets, toys, spray cans of any kind should be kept as far away as possible.

That said, make sure to only use good quality fire logs for your fireplace. Don’t burn newspapers, magazines, boxes, or just about anything else to feed the fire. These products are not only highly flammable, but they can also emit toxic fumes that you and your family might inhale. 

Install a Fireplace Protector 

If you’re wondering what is a fireplace protector, this is the mesh screen you typically see in front of fireplaces. It makes for good protection because it prevents fire embers from jumping out. 

This is very important, especially because fire embers can start a fire once they catch onto a flammable material, like the carpet or the curtains. At the same time, they can also cause burn injuries.

Fireplace protectors also come in decorative styles, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the aesthetic of your fireplace.

Have Fire Safety Tools at Home

Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers are some important fire safety tools you need at home. Make sure to invest in them and to have them around the house to be sufficiently covered. 

Make Sure To Put Out the Fire Completely

Don’t leave the fire unattended. If you must retire for the night or leave the room, make sure all the embers are put out before you go. Also, don’t close the damper of the flue until you’re absolutely sure all the fire and embers are out. 

And then, before you use the chimney again the next time, clear out the ashes from the previous fires so that you don’t inhale their particles, and you have better control of the smoke the next time you open the fireplace.

Be Prepared for Fire Safety

Raider Fire Protection can help you make your home fire-safe and fire-ready. They not only provide fire extinguishers and other fire safety products, but they also do annual inspections of extinguishers in buildings, apartments, and other businesses.