As the winter approaches, it's time to review fireplace safety tips. As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop, many of us are turning to our fireplaces to heat the house. There are few things that start the festive season like a stoked fire. While you're putting your Boy Scout skills to use to toast your marshmallows and toes, be sure that you review these fireplace safety tips.
Keep It Clean - It's always a good idea to hire a professional chimney sweep to clean the chimney before lighting up the first fire of the year. There could be animal nests, debris, or built up creosote in the chimney, making your fire hazardous.
Relight My Fire - Never use lighter fluid to start a fire, as this can be extremely dangerous. Only start a fire with matches or commercial fire lighters.
Set It Right - Ensure that, if you have an open fire, you have a wire mesh screen in front of the lit fire at all times and that all flammable material is placed well away from the flames.
Seasoned for the Season - Only use clean, dry, and seasoned wood to burn in the fireplace. Wet or green wood causes more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney, while dry wood burns more evenly and does not produce as much smoke.
Open It- Fires require around five times as much oxygen as a room usually needs. To make sure that there is enough oxygen for the fire to burn effectively, open a window when you light a fire.
(Don't) Leave It Be - For safety's sake, never leave a fire unattended. Put the fire out before going to bed or leaving the house.
Take extra care this holiday to keep your friends, family, fire, and home safe. Visit the Brentwood-local professionals at Jack Stone Insurance Agency to secure your needed homeowners insurance in California that will see you through the holidays and beyond!
