Home and Work Fireplace Safety

While beautiful, fireplaces can also be dangerous is they are not correctly maintained.

A real working fireplace makes any home feel cozy and comfortable, especially when it gets lit occasionally. While beautiful, fireplaces can also be dangerous is they are not correctly maintained. To keep your fireplace an object of beauty and pleasure, and not a source of pain, be sure to locate and read important fireplace safety and maintenance guidelines.

When purchasing a new home you should be sure to ask the previous owners about the fireplace condition. Good questions include how often it was used, if ever. Additionally, you will want to find out if there were any issues with the fireplace or chimney, especially if the chimney ever needed or received repairs. You should also try to determine if carbon monoxide levels were every checked on this fireplace or if there have been any issues with getting a fire to light. This information will help you determine what type of work, if any, needs to be completed.

Your first step should be to get the chimney inspected. Although the old owners may have assured you that everything is operating correctly, annual fireplace safety inspections are always a good idea. This will determine that there is no build up of creosote in the chimney, that the flue is operating correctly, that there has been no weather related damage, and that there is no build up of leaves or unexpected animal or bird nests within the chimney.

You should practice starting, maintaining, and extinguishing the flames in your fireplace. Keep a good supply of all the necessary materials such as paper, kindling, and wood. Be aware that there are some things that should never be burned in a fireplace, such as aerosol containing which may explode or materials that would release toxic chemical while burning.

You also want to ensure that you have the proper equipment to run your fireplace. A screen is essential for keeping sparks from escaping from the fireplace and catching your rug or furniture on fire. Other tools you will need include a poker to stir the embers, a broom and dustpan to remove ashes, and a bin to hold your firewood. It is also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in your home, and teach the entire family how to use it. You should install both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the same room as the fireplace so that you can be made aware of any potential problems. A fire could quickly spread throughout your home without the proper safety equipment.

A fireplace should never be left unattended. Without sufficient supervision, a small spark could quickly spread into a large fire. It is best if someone stays in the room where the fire is burning, or at the very least comes in and out of the room frequently to check on it. When either going out or to bed, be sure that the fire has completely burned out. Always keep the flue open until the fire is completely extinguished, otherwise the entire room and house could fill with dangerous smoke or carbon monoxide.

When properly attended to a roaring fire in your home added warmth and beauty. Be sure you have the right tools and knowledge before you start that first fire in your home.
 

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