The weather is starting to get colder so logically you are going to want to start using the fireplace again. Fireplaces in the home are an embodiment of comfort and warmth. However fire is dangerous and should never be taken lightly. Your fireplace can even become a lifeline in certain situations if there are power outages or your heating system fails. Keeping up to date with proper fireplace safety & maintenance is crucial and will lead to a safer, happier home. In this article I will be giving you 5 fireplace safety tips to keep you and your family safe this Winter.
1: Annual Cleaning:
Your fireplace should always be cleared out properly after each fire. However if you have a fireplace with doors you should clean them thoroughly before lighting the first fire of the year to remove any built up smog that’s residing on them.
2: Sweep Your Chimney:
The best way to effectively perform a chimney sweep is by hiring a professional to do it. There are countless nooks and crannies that are near impossible to see which often go unnoticed when you attempt the sweep yourself. Professional chimney sweeps have special tools to make sure dangerous obstructions are removed and your chimney is cleaned thoroughly.
3: Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
Be sure to install both a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector especially if you’re moving into a new home. In the event of a disaster these two little tools could literally save the lives of you and your family.
4: Clear Mantlepiece & Surrounding Areas:
Decorating fireplace mantels, especially during the holidays, is something that goes on in nearly every home in Ireland. If you are careful this doesn’t have to be an unsafe practice. It’s important to make sure there’s a 2 ft. space between any object and the fireplace. This ensures that flammable objects will not become overheated and catch fire.
5: Have A Fire Guard:
You can find fire guards very easily and often at very low cost. It’s important to keep the fire guard up if the fire is ever left unattended. This blocks sparks, lumps of coal or anything else from falling out onto your floor if it gets spat out of the fire.
These 5 fireplace safety tips will help you stay safe when using your fireplace. If you ever do get into trouble use the fire extinguisher, but if it’s too late for that, keep low, get out of the building and call the fire brigade. If you ever do lose or damage your home due to fire then AMLTD is here to help you deal with your insurance company and rebuild your life.
