Using Your Fireplace
Safely
A fireplace is a great
feature in any home, and can create that warm, homey feeling on a cold winter
evening that every homeowner dreams of.
Whether you have a gas fireplace or a wood-burning fireplace, there are
a few important precautions you should take and safety measures to follow every
time you use your fireplace.
Keep The Fire Contained
Especially if you have an
older home, you should verify that the fireplace and hearth are up to
code. The hearth is required to be a
certain size to prevent sparks or embers from the fire hitting the carpet or
wood floors and starting a fire. You
should also ensure that you have appropriate metal doors or a mesh curtain that
will keep the fire and any sparks inside the fireplace itself.
Keep anything flammable
away from the fireplace, including paper, blankets, furniture, or anything else
that could easily catch fire. If you
have a wood-burning fireplace, keep the wood in a spot where a stray spark or
ember won't reach it. The same goes for
kindling or anything you use to start the fire.
Maintaining The Fireplace
And Chimney
In a wood-burning
fireplace, a substance known as creosote can build up on the inside of the
chimney, putting you at risk for a dangerous chimney fire. Every year before the winter season begins,
you should have a professional chimney sweep clean out your chimney. They should also inspect everything to ensure
your fireplace is functioning properly.
Be sure to clean out ashes and soot from the fireplace regularly; this
is recommended every time you use it.
Even with a gas fireplace
there is some maintenance to consider.
You should have a chimney sweep perform a yearly inspection and cleaning
of the inside of your fireplace, especially in hard to reach places like the fan. They should also make certain that the gas
lines and ignition switch are working properly.
Fireplaces And Children
If you have children, use
caution with your fireplace. Never leave
a child unattended in a room with a lit fireplace. Be certain that lighters and matches are
always kept well out of reach. Before
you start the fire burning season, sit down with your children and discuss the
safety rules for the fireplace, making sure they understand the dangers.
Your fireplace can provide
warmth and ambience, and will serve you well for a long time as long as you
take care of it. Keep up on maintenance
and ensure that everything is safe and up to code before you use your
fireplace.
No comments:
Post a Comment