What better way to stay cozy and warm at home during this very cold winter than sit by a crackling fire. Remember, though, that it is fire, and if not treated with respect, will cause untold damage to your home and perhaps to your family.
Every year, destructive fires are started due to unsafe or improper use. Most fires can be prevented, so long as safety precautions are taken. By following these simple tips, you can keep your home and family safe from the dangers of fire.
Always be sure that the area near your fireplace is clear of debris and clutter. A fireplace can be a warm and inviting place to be, but it can also pose a serious danger. Make every effort to keep newspaper, kindling and firewood away from burning embers. Always use a fireplace screen to prevent those burning embers from leaping out of the fireplace.
You should also inspect your chimney on an annual basis. Over the summer months, a bird may have decided to nest in your chimney. The nest could prevent the smoke from exiting your home and could possibly catch fire, or might cause your home to fill with smoke. Either way, it is not an ideal situation. Also, creosote is a flammable material that will build up in your chimney over time, so you'll want to have it cleaned every year.
Another thing to be mindful is the amount of wood you are burning at any one time. A fire can grow out of control quite easily, and the more wood you use, the more heat and flames will be produced. Do not overload your fireplace. Be careful not to burn wood with finishes or glue. Newspapers or garbage are very dangerous when burned in a fireplace.
Just in case, you should keep a fire extinguisher close at hand. A fire can get out of control fast and you may not have time to search for a fire extinguisher. Also, ensure that your home is equipped with smoke alarms. If your smoke alarms are powered by batteries, be sure to change the batteries every few months. Ideally, they should be hard wired into the electrical system of your home.
Never leave a fire unattended. Always keep children away from the fire, and explain to them the danger that the fire poses. You can even visit your local fire station to obtain a video on fire safety that is geared toward children. Make sure that you don't go to bed until the fire burns out or is extinguished.
By following these safety tips, you and your family can get cozy in front of the fireplace for years to come.
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