It’s always comfortable to gather around the fireplace, especially when it’s freezing outside. Despite the fact that fireplaces warm and illuminate our homes, it’s crucial to maintain them and take safety precautions. You should bear in mind the following fireplace safety advice this winter.
#1. Keep furniture at a distance
While it may be alluring to push your couch or chair up next to your fireplace and cuddle up for the night, it’s actually highly risky! We used to do that when I was younger after football games or after school in general, but if you doze off you run the risk of accidentally setting anything on fire or, worse still, yourself. At least three feet should separate flammable items from heat sources. You can always grab a nice fleece blanket and something hot to drink instead of moving closer to the fireplace. Consider it’s best ot buy a fire extinguisher for extra protection should things go awray.
#2. Be careful of gas leaks with gas fireplaces
Gas leaks are one danger to watch out for if you have a gas fireplace. If your home smells like rotten eggs or cabbage when you get home, there may be a gas leak. Look to see if your fireplace is the source of the stench. If so, use a flashlight to examine if the area around the fireplace is dusting itself as a leak may be there. You should go outside, dial 000, and have a professional inspect your fireplace if you think there might be a gas leak.
#3. Don’t let children play around the fire
Although most kids are naturally interested and like to experiment, make sure they don’t play near the fireplace, whether it’s gas, electric, or made of wood. They shouldn’t be burned or hurt, please. Inform them that it is best for an adult to light the fireplace and that children should never attempt to do so. If at all possible, think about designating that portion of your home as a “no-kids” zone. A baby gate for the fireplace is a great idea to seperate inquisitive little hands from the fireplace.
#4. Remove the ashes of wood fireplaces as needed
As they accumulate, periodically remove them to provide room for airflow during wood burning. Keep a thin layer for storing heat and hot coals if necessary, but don’t let it build up too much. What can you do with all of those leftover ashes, you may be wondering? Well, a lot of it! You can add some ashes to your acidic soil to help improve the pH. Wood ashes can also be used to polish metal, such as rusted silverware, or to melt ice on your driveway and pathways.
#5. Use dry wood instead of damp or rotten
If at all feasible, fire only dried, seasoned wood. Heat will be generated more quickly than with damp wood. Additionally, dry wood will permit a cleaner burn. A buildup of creosote in your chimney might result from using wet or damp wood since it has a greater moisture content. If you have green or freshly cut wood, you should put it away for six to twelve months so it can dry out further. To prevent respiratory problems, stay away from firewood that has mold growth on it.
#6. Store firewood properly
In order to store firewood properly, you should stack the logs off the ground to prevent rotting and ideally in a spot where the sun’s rays and the breeze can assist the wood dry out. Leave some gaps or holes for air to pass through while stacking the wood in a rack or on a pallet. Use a tarp to cover the wood to protect it from rain, ice, and snow, but make sure the air can still get to the wood.
#7. Close damper when not using the fireplace
Close the damper once the fire has been out entirely to keep the heat in and keep cold air out. Additionally, you’ll stop outside dirt and water from getting inside the chimney. Make sure the damper is open while burning firewood so that the smoke may be properly ventilated.
#8. Keep chimney cleaned and checked regularly
To assist remove buildup and lower the risk of chimney fires, you should get your chimney assessed and cleaned at least once a year. Additionally, a maintenance check will keep you informed of any problems that require attention. Ultimately, keeping your chimney in good condition will ensure the longevity of your fireplace.
#9. Use flame retardant rug around wood fireplaces
Use a flame-resistant rug to prevent embers from damaging your floor if you have a wood fireplace. Some embers may poke out when you add wood to your fire to start it. You can safeguard the floor in front of the fireplace with a flame-retardant rug and lessen the possibility of accidentally starting a fire with a traditional rug.
#10. Put out fire before going to bed or leaving the house
It’s simple to overlook extinguishing the flames or shutting off your fireplace before retiring for the evening. Make sure the flames are out of your gas or wood fireplace before you go to bed or leave your house. If your electric fireplace has a remote control and an automated shut-off mechanism, having these capabilities can be useful for controlling the fireplace without having to manually turn dials in the event of overheating.
But don’t be afreaid to be warm and safe!
The cooler months are a great time to gaze at a fireplace. If you have a gas or wood fireplace, it’s crucial to repair it once a year. Make sure nothing is too close to the fireplace, put the fire out or turn it off before going to bed to try and lower the danger of a house fire. Remember these 10 suggestions for a secure fall or warm winter.