Who doesn’t love the warmth of a fireplace on a cold winter night? However, enjoying the benefits of a fire also comes with great responsibility. Making sure your fireplace is secure each year is a great start. Keep fires safe 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, having your fireplace WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) certified can help your insurance rates. Also, cleaning and inspecting your chimney regularly can prevent costly repairs and fire damage.
Install a chimney cap to make sure animals or birds don’t block the chimney.
Fireplaces can be the perfect place for raccoons, squirrels, and other small animals and birds. Chimney caps with screens can prevent them from entering the chimney and causing a clog. Also, a chimney cap can prevent rain from entering the chimney and eating away at the mortar and bricks.
Use a fireplace grate.
Concrete is a very durable surface, but prolonged direct exposure to fire will still ruin it. A chimney grate allows for better protection of the chimney by shielding the floor from direct heat, saving you money on replacement costs and extending the life of the chimney.
Have 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 detecting problems early with a smoke or carbon monoxide detector can help ensure your family’s safety.
Clean up ashes after each fire.
Give the ashes at least 24 hours to cool before removing them from the fireplace. Store ashes in a noncombustible container outside the home until you can dispose of them properly.
Clear the area around the fireplace of flammable objects and materials.
Everyday objects like plastic toys and plants, papers, and liquids like nail polish and stain removers are extremely flammable and should be kept away from the fireplace. Even a small spark can cause these objects to catch fire.
Do not close the gate until the embers have been completely consumed.
Embers can stay hot for up to two days after a fire. The damper must remain open, even if there is no fire, to prevent carbon monoxide from remaining in your home. NEVER LEAVE YOUR FIRE UNATTENDED!
By following the tips above, your family can enjoy the crackle and beauty of a wood fire, all while feeling safe and secure.