A fireplace and chimney are a great source of warmth and comfort during the colder months. They add character to your living room and enhance the house's aesthetics.
However, your job doesn't end at just installing a fireplace and chimney. After all, in the United States, about 14,000 chimney fires break out every year.
This underlines the importance of necessary precautions and safety measures while using them. To prevent any mishap at home, follow these significant tips at all times!
1. Always maintain a clearance zone
Don't put any objects near your fireplace to avoid accidental fires. Especially during the colder seasons, people push their furniture near their fireplaces for more warmth. However, furniture, books, blankets, drapes, and even any décor can catch fire pretty quickly.
So, create a clearance zone of about 4 feet around the fireplace or as mentioned in your manual.
If it's an outdoor fireplace, maintain a 10-foot clearance zone around it. Remove any debris, such as grass, leaves, branches, and twigs.
Some modern fireplaces assure no chance of heat damage or burning if combustible objects are kept near. However, it's always better to stay safe than sorry.
2. Sign in for professional chimney cleanup
Fire byproduct buildups, like creosote, are flammable and cause serious fires or lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. So, seek professional chimney sweeps Seattle to avoid such dangers.
Opt for services from an experienced business that offers a wide range of chimney maintenance services and has well-trained staff. This ensures high-standard services and your satisfaction.
3. Check the chimney top regularly
Ensure the top of the chimney is always clear. Remove any fallen or overhanging branches and crawling plants to prevent them from catching fires.
Every time you start a fire, ensure the flue damper is open. A closed damper will trap smoke and fill the entire household with it. It will not only damage the home interiors but also cause respiratory issues.
4. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
If your home is new, install smoke detectors at least six meters away from your fireplace to prevent unwanted alarms.
Human beings can notice smoke but can't detect carbon monoxide, an odorless toxic gas. So, invest in a carbon monoxide detector and regularly test it to ensure it's functional.
Nowadays, you can also buy two-in-one smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you can't find them, get both and install them on the ceiling in appropriate areas by experts.
5. Get a fireplace screen/door
Install a screen or door in front of the fireplace. This ensures that no fire sparks will burn anything near it like furniture, carpet, or décor. It's a great security layer especially if your space is small and you have pets and children at home.
However, if you invest in glass doors, don't close them while the fire burns. Otherwise, it might shatter!
If you have a gas fireplace, there's a protective mesh over the glass barrier. Before using the unit, ensure the mesh is attached correctly. Don't touch it directly, as it retains heat.
6. Never leave the fireplace unattended
Whether you have an indoor or outdoor fireplace, think of it like your child, and don't leave it unattended. If you must go somewhere, call someone over to watch it. If there's nobody, either stay cautious or put out the fire.
Even if there's a screen or guard to prevent anything from entering the fireplace, objects can still slip in and cause house fires. Sometimes, a heavy burning log of wood can even push open screens.
Additionally, keep your children and pets away from the fireplace at all times to prevent accidental burns. You can also get a safety gate to ensure better protection.
7. Avoid liquid fire starters
Never use liquid fire starters, including charcoal grill lighters, gasoline, and lighter fluid. They increase the chance of the flame becoming too huge to control. Some of these also work like accelerants. They can leave residues, which may lead to ignition within the chimney flue.
8. Have a fire extinguisher
You can never be TOO careful when it comes to house fires. So, it's best to keep a fire extinguisher on standby and learn to use it. If any fires break out, use it immediately to prevent serious damage.
With these tips, you can avoid all dangers related to the fireplace and chimney while enjoying great comfort. Furthermore, you can seek professional guidance and fortify your family's complete safety!
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