Six Tips to Enjoy Your Fireplace Safely

There is nothing like curling up next to the fireplace with a good book, a cozy blanket and a warm drink on a cold winter’s night. But fireplace safety also needs to be a major part of this picture. A home fireplace can be incredibly dangerous if it is not handled correctly. A seemingly perfect evening spent around the fire could turn deadly with just one small mistake. Thousands of homes are destroyed and lives are lost each year due to carelessness around the fireplace. Following a few simple tips from before the fire is started until hours after it is extinguished will ensure everyone can enjoy the warmth and beauty of a fireplace safely:

• Have the chimney inspected: Fireplace safety should start with the chimney. Schedule professional chimney cleaning in Wausau, WI at least once a year. The chimney sweep will inspect the space for any developing issues or debris lodged inside before fully cleaning it. They’ll remove any soot and debris from the chimney to ensure the smoke can safely escape. They will also remove any accumulated creosote, which is a combustible material formed from the byproducts of a fire.
• Maintain regularly: In addition to professional chimney cleaning, plan to clean the fireplace yourself in the late summer or early fall to prepare it for use. Scrub the grate and walls with a nylon brush before sweeping out any debris. Finish up by wiping out the entire fireplace with soap and water.
• Keep the area clear: That rug might look great in front of the fireplace, but it could be a major safety hazard. All home décor items and furniture should be placed a safe distance from the fireplace. A flying spark could land on a throw pillow or a piece of seasonal décor and catch on fire.
• Burn safely: Only wood should be burned in a home fireplace. Never burned painted or treated wood. Trash, cardboard boxes and other debris should never be burned inside the home, as they could create potentially dangerous fumes.
• Never leave the fireplace unattended: This is the cardinal rule of fireplaces. Never walk away from a burning fire, even for a moment. The fire needs to be fully extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house. Let the ashes fully cool before safely moving them into a metal container. The container should be stored far from any combustible materials.
• Have a plan ready: Every family should have a fire escape plan in place in case anything suddenly goes wrong. Make sure both adults and children know the nearest exit routes and what to do in the event of a fire. Establishing this information ahead of time could save lives.

A fireplace is a beautiful addition to any home, just as long as it is used safely. Marcell’s Specialties Inc. can keep your fireplace prepared and safe with our full-service fireplace repairs and chimney cleanings in Wausau, WI. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you, or to schedule an appointment!

Categorised in: Chimney Cleaning

This post was written by Writer