Safety Tips For Fireplaces

A fireplace is a great addition to any home. It adds value, as well as providing warmth and a wonderful, cheerful fire to watch in the evenings. However, fireplaces also have some safety concerns associated with them. They can start to operate improperly and even cause house fires if things begin to go wrong. Because of this, it's vital to observe fireplace safety, even before the fireplace is installed. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a toasty fire without having to worry about it.

Read the owner's manual. Most fireplaces come with a manual that will tell you all about the operation of your fireplace. Even if you're experienced in using a fireplace, read the manual all the way through before you operate it.

Have your fireplace installed and inspected by professionals. Unless you're a professional contractor, chances are you'll need to have your fireplace installed by someone who really knows what they're doing. This isn't a job for an around the house handyman, unfortunately. Also, have the work inspected after it's done, to make sure that everything has been done right.

Make sure you have a smoke detector, and that it's working right. A smoke or fire detector is important to have in any home. However, if you're using a fireplace of any kind, it becomes a lot more necessary. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector, too.

Burn the right things. If you have a traditional fireplace, you have a choice a fuel. While your fireplace will burn paper and wood quite well, don't use charcoal or a hibachi, as they can produce carbon monoxide. In addition, don't be tempted to use lighter fluid, kerosene, or gasoline to help get a troublesome fire going. You should burn only seasoned wood, and use long stemmed matches and kindling to start your fire.

Make sure all chimneys are in good shape. Any type of fireplace needs a functioning chimney to operate correctly. Have yours inspected once a year to make sure it's not blocked and is properly vented. Consider having a guard installed to keep animals out, and prevent sparks from landing on your roof, where they can cause a fire.

Don't let things pile up around the fireplace. Whether it's a stack of newspapers or Christmas decorations, you should remove everything near the fireplace before you operate it. Never leave the fire unattended, and be sure that there's nothing on hand that could catch fire in the area. If you have small children, teach them not to go close to the fireplace, and keep pets out of the area.

Fireplace safety is an important part of enjoying your toasty fire in the winter. It doesn't take a lot to stay safe and enjoy that warm glow. By observing the right precautions, you can have your fire without having to worry.

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