"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..." There’s something extra special about a fireplace. It doesn’t matter if it’s wood-burning, gas or electric, a fireplace adds ambiance to your home especially during the winter.
- Whether you have already lit your first fire of the season or not, here are a few important fireplace safety tips to remember:
- Always have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned regularly.
- Install a chimney cap at the top of your chimney to avoid any blockages.
- In addition to your smoke detector, install a carbon monoxide detector and make sure they are in proper working order.
- Keep the area around your fireplace free of furniture, books, and other flammable materials. At least 2 feet away is a good rule of thumb.
- Always use fireplace tools to tend the fire.
- Put out the fire or make sure it is out before going to bed or leaving your home.
- For a wood burning fireplace, clean out the ashes regularly.
- Share fireplace safety tips with other members of your household.
- Never start a fire using liquid accelerants.
- Before lighting the fire, make sure the damper is open and don’t close it until the ashes have cooled completely.
- Have a fire extinguisher available and make sure it is maintained and checked on a regular basis.
- Ensure there is adequate air and air flow in the room with the fireplace.
Whether warming up a room, cozying up with a significant other, or toasting marshmallows, your fireplace is an important part of your home décor and should be enjoyed for many, many years.