Who doesn’t love the warmth of a fireplace on a cold winter night? However, enjoying the benefits of fire also comes with great responsibility. Making sure your fireplace is safe each year is a great start. Have safe fires all winter long with the following fireplace safety and maintenance tips:
Have the chimney inspected every year and have it professionally cleaned when necessary.
While this may seem like an unnecessary expense, it can be helpful for your insurance rates to have your fireplace WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) certified. Also, cleaning and inspecting your fireplace regularly can prevent costly repairs and fire damage.
Install a chimney cap to help ensure that animals or birds do not block the chimney.
Chimneys can be the perfect place for raccoons, squirrels, and other small animals and birds. Chimney caps with grates can prevent them from entering the chimney and causing a clog. Additionally, a chimney cap can prevent rain from entering the chimney and corroding the mortar and bricks.
Use a fireplace grate.
Concrete is a very durable surface, but even so, prolonged direct exposure to fire will ruin it. A fireplace grate allows for better protection of your fireplace by shielding your floor from direct heat, saving you money on replacement costs, and extending the life of your fireplace.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Chimney fires are responsible for millions of dollars each year in damage to homes and contents. Having a fire extinguisher nearby and early detection of problems with a smoke or carbon monoxide detector can help ensure your family’s safety.
Clean up the ashes after each fire.
Allow the ashes to cool for at least 24 hours before removing them from the fireplace. Store ashes in a non-combustible container outside the house until you can dispose of them properly.
Clear the area around the fireplace of flammable objects and materials.
Everyday objects such as plastic toys and plants, papers, and liquids such as nail polish and nail polish remover are extremely flammable and should be kept away from the fireplace. Even a small spark can cause these items to catch fire.
Do not close the gate until the embers have been completely consumed.
Embers can remain hot for up to two days after a fire. The damper should remain open, even if there is no fire, to prevent carbon monoxide from staying in your home. NEVER LEAVE YOUR FIRE UNATTENDED!
By following the tips above, your family will be able to enjoy the crackling and beauty of a wood fire, while feeling safe and secure.
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