Sep. 25, 2007 - Fireplace Safety

There is nothing on a cool or cold winter's evening like a nice cozy fire.  How safe is your fireplace and when you go to sell is it going to be in good working order?

Keep furniture, curtains, and other flammables at least three feet away from your fireplace.

Don't let children stand to close.  They might get burned or their clothes might ignite.

Never burn garbage, charcoal or coal.  Also do not burn paper or cardboard as stray embers can cause indoor fires or fires on the roof.  Wrapping paper can cause toxin fumes to come out into the air.

Don't leave the fire unattended and keep a fire extinguisher handy.  Make sure the fires is out before going to bed or leaving the house.

Gas Fireplaces  should be checked by a professional annually they will clean the fan, clear any blocked vents and make any other adjustments that should be done.

Make sure the pipes connected to the fireplace are clear.

Turn the gas off completely when fireplace is not in use.

Keep the Chimney swept and the flue open.

 Wood-Burning Fireplaces  keep your roof clear of branches and anything that could block your chimney.

Always use a sturdy fire screen to keep sparks from coming out of the fireplace.

Open the flue before starting the fire and keep it open until the ashes have cooled.

Burn only properly seasoned hardwood that has dried for at least six months and doesn't appear green.

Don't overload the fireplace.

Use manufacture directions when burning artificial logs.

Soak ashes in water and store them in a tight fitting container.