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Reduce the Risks
Home » Outdoor Furniture » Fireplace Safety » Reduce the RisksDon’t let a cozy, crackling fire in the fireplace become deadly. All fireplaces require regular maintenance to keep them functioning in a safe and effective manner. The following are suggested methods of using and maintaining your fireplaces to reduce the risks:
• Keep your fireplace burning safely by having a professional chimney sweep clean your fireplace. You should have the chimney checked annually to see if it needs to be cleaned.
• Check your fireplace annually for any loose mortar or brick and for cracks in the chimney. Check the chimney and flue liners for deterioration.
• Keep the top of the chimney clear of debris by installing a chimney cap.
• Be sure the damper is open before you light a fire. To avoid the risk of carbon monoxide buildup, keep it open until the ashes have cooled down.
• Do not use charcoal or coal in a fireplace. This can cause carbon monoxide to develop.
• Use a firelighter to start your fire. Never use gasoline, lighter fluid or any other flammable liquid to start the fireplace.
• Clean the area around the hearth of any type of flammable material.
o Rugs
o Carpets
o Pillows
o Papers
o Decorations
o Newspapers
• Build only small fires that will burn completely. Small fires will produce less smoke.
• Never put too many logs in the fireplace. Logs should be placed at the back of the fireplace on a grate. Leave a little space between the logs to let the air flow.
• Always use a metal mesh fireplace screen with a fireplace.
• Leave glass doors open when burning a fire.
• Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home. It should be stacked off of the ground and covered.
• Never place a Christmas tree too close to a fireplace.
• Use the proper fireplace tools.
• Soak hot ashes in water and place outside in a metal container.
• Keep your roof clear of trees.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand.
• Read and follow the instructions on gas fireplace logs.
• When using gas logs, only use one fire log at a time. Do not replace with another log until the fire has completely burned out.
• Do not poke or break gas logs as this can cause a flare-up.
• Place gas logs on a grate in your fireplace to burn.
• Never mix an artificial log with wood logs in a fireplace.
• Never leave a fire unattended. Be certain that a fire is completely out before leaving your home or going to bed.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. They should be tested monthly and batteries should be replaced at least once a year. It is recommended that you replace the batteries each time you change your clocks for daylight savings time.
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