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 ambiance, 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.
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