A fireplace is a wonderful thing that a home can have. It will keep a house warm and is a great accent to any space. To enjoy your fireplace a homeowner has to make sure that the fireplace is safe. There a few safety tips that will keep your fireplace and home safe.
Fireplace Safety Tips:
- Before you start a fire in your fireplace make sure the chimney has the annual inspection. The inspection will sweep and clean your chimney and make sure all obstructions are gone.
- The chimney should have a cap installed on the top of the chimney. The cap will keep any embers from flying out and causing a fire. The cap will also keep any animals or debris from entering the chimney.
- Keep the fireplace area free from any furniture or items. There should be at least three feet of space between the fireplace and items.
- Every home should have a fire extinguisher. Make sure your fire extinguisher is close and easy to reach.
- Never go to bed with a fire burning in the fireplace. Never leave your home with a fire burning in the fireplace.
- Homeowners should never use any chemicals to start a fire in the fireplace.
- Homeowners should use the appropriate wood to burn in the fireplace and never use any type of magazines or paper in the fireplace.
- Fireplace safety should be enforced by homeowners. Homeowners should get the family together and go over the rules of the fireplace. You never want to have your children attend to or start any fire in the fireplace. This is only a job for an adult that understands how dangerous it can be if you don’t do it correctly.
A fireplace is wonderful to have in your home. It is beautiful and can warm a home without a huge cost. Treat your fireplace just like you would your car. Keep it maintained, cleaned and protected and the fireplace will last your family for years to come. A fireplace is great for children in the winter as they all wait for Santa Claus to come down their fireplace to deliver presents for Christmas.