Fire is one of the most dangerous elements there is! So, whenever you light one in your fireplace, it is important to remember a few safety precautions. This is especially true when you have children in your home. At All Seasons Chimney, safety is our top priority. That’s why we would like to remind you of some of the most essential fire safety recommendations you should be following. Practicing these tips will help keep you and your family safe from any accidental fires or other hazards this winter.
Open the damper before starting a fire.
If the damper is closed, smoke will not be able to exit out of the chimney as it is supposed to do. A closed damper could also cause toxic gases like carbon monoxide to blow back into your home. You will want to keep the damper open until the embers have completely stopped burning.
Only burn seasoned firewood.
Seasoned firewood has been allowed to dry for at least six months after it has been cut. It will produce less smoke and will give you longer lasting fires with more heat.
Keep your children safe.
Healthy Children suggests setting up a fireplace screen to keep your children from burning themselves on the glass fireplace doors. Never leave your children unattended in a room with a fireplace in use, even if you have a screen.
Prevent accidental fires.
Keep the area in front of your fireplace clear from combustible items. These include furniture, carpet, and curtains. Hot sparks and embers can easily jump out and start an accidental fire. The proximity to high temperatures can also be dangerous as well.
Be prepared.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detector alarms throughout your home. You should place these alarms in the same room as your fireplace, on every level of your home, and outside each bedroom. Be sure to check the batteries in these alarms in the spring and the fall when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time. You should also have a fire extinguisher on hand, in case an accidental fire does break out.
Schedule an appointment for an annual chimney sweep and inspection.
To keep your fireplace and chimney working safely and efficiently, it is very important to have your chimney professionally swept and inspected every year. You need to have the creosote removed to avoid the chimney fire hazard. Plus, you need to make sure there is no damage that could be causing your chimney to be unsafe to operate.
Following these safety tips will help you be able to enjoy your fireplace with no worries this winter! Contact us at All Seasons Chimney for all of your chimney maintenance, repair, and installation needs in the lower Hudson Valley area.
