Fact: According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), 36% of heating fires occur in residential homes annually. The cold winter months are here to stay, at least for the next couple of months. There is nothing like enjoying a crackling fire in a fireplace or wood burning stove. The following are important fireplace safety tips to consider below:
Only burn gas logs in your fireplace.
Make sure you only burn gas logs and not other items, such as, painted wood or construction scrapes. This can release harmful toxins into your home. Also, you should never burn items such as garbage, plastic bags or cardboard boxes in a fireplace.
Replace outdated smoke detectors within your home.
If you have out-dated smoke detectors within your home, it is time to replace them. You will also want to install/replace old carbon monoxide detectors, as well. Make sure they are installed close to your fireplace.
Professionally clean your fireplace.
Make sure you get your fireplace professionally cleaned before you use it, especially if you burn a lot of gas logs. The general rule of thumb is to clean your fireplace at least twice a year.
Install a chimney cap.
If you don’t have a chimney cap, it’s time to get one installed. The purpose of having a chimney cap is to help prevent rain, snow and debris from falling into your fireplace.
Use the right venting systems.
Make sure you have the right kind of venting systems in place for your heating equipment.
Get your fireplace inspected.
Make sure you get your fireplace inspected once a year and make sure it’s by a certified specialist. Make sure you keep the section around your hearth free from debris. This includes any kind of flammable items, such as holiday decorations. Avoid using flammable liquids. Do not use any kind of flammable liquids on your gas logs to start a fire. Do not leave your fireplace alone. In other words, never leave your fireplace unattended. Make sure you extinguish the fire
prior to leaving the house or going to bed.
Last but not least, if your fireplace doesn’t have a glass door, use a mesh metal screen. Also, Let your fireplace ashes cool before disposing of them if you’re using a wood burning fireplace. Following the tips above will help prevent fires and keep your home safe.
Get More Safety Tips, Call Us:
Dallas,
Texas
75229
Phone: 972-877-4650
To find out more information about gas logs and other fireplace services, visit MastersServices.com. We provide everything you need for your
fireplace and chimney. Safety Tip: Always keep your glass doors open when burning a fire. This will ensure that your fire is receiving a sufficient amount of air.
