A fireplace can provide warmth on a cold winter evening, but if not maintained
and operated properly it can become deadly.
Fireplace safety tips:
- Have your chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned annually by a
certified professional.
- Use
Fireplace Screens with Doors,
Glass Fireplace Screens or
spark guards for protection from embers.
- Do not leave a fire or smoldering embers unattended.
- Dispose of embers safely. Never dispose of embers in a trash can
or paper bag.
- The embers may be a day old and look as if they are out, but can
still cause a fire.
- Do not close your damper until you are sure the fire is out.
- Never burn your discarded Christmas tree in the fireplace. It
burns quickly, and the sudden flare-ups may spread outside your fireplace.
- Avoid burning Christmas wrappings or plastic items. These items
may give off toxic chemicals in the smoke.
- Be careful in handling partially burned wood. The wood may still
be smoldering and cause a serious burn.
- Always use a
fireplace screen.
- Clear the area around the fireplace and chimney of books, newspapers,
magazines and other potentially flammable materials.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in your home,
maintain them properly and test them monthly.
- Use
fireplace tools,
Log Holders
and
Hearth Accessories to tend the fire.