Fireplaces can be a cozy and attractive addition to any home, but it’s important to follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and fires. Here are some fireplace safety tips to keep in mind:
Safe Practices
- Have your fireplace inspected and cleaned annually by a professional. This will help ensure that your fireplace is in good working order and reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
- Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks and embers from escaping the fireplace and starting a fire.
- Only burn dry, seasoned wood in your fireplace. Wet or green wood can produce more smoke and creosote, increasing the risk of a chimney fire.
- Use a proper fire starter to ignite the fire, rather than accelerants like gasoline or kerosene. These can be extremely dangerous and increase the risk of a fire spreading quickly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
Greater Prevention
- Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure the fire is completely extinguished before you go to bed or leave the house.
- Keep children and pets away from the fireplace when it is in use and teach them about the dangers of fire.
- Install monitored smoke alarms and have them tested regularly.
Make sure you have working smoke detectors on every floor of your home. These devices can detect smoke or fire and give you and your family a chance to evacuate safely. If you have a monitored smoke detector system, an agent will also be alerted and can dispatch emergency services to your home for quick response.
Don’t take the risk – make sure you have a smoke detector system in place to protect your family and your home. By following these safety tips, you can enjoy your fireplace without worrying about accidents or fires.
You can learn more about our residential smoke detector systems here.
