Safety Tips for Using a Fireplace in Your Home

A fireplace can be a warm and cozy addition to your home that you can be thankful for during the colder months. Not only does it provide a relaxing ambiance, but it can also help cut down on heating costs. However, properly using and maintaining your fireplace is essential to keep you and your home safe. Review these safety tips before you light your first fire of the season.

Use a metal mesh screen when the fire is burning to help keep embers inside the fireplace, and install a mesh screen at the top of your chimney. If your fireplace has a glass door, be sure to keep it open when a fire is burning and closed when the fireplace is not in use to help keep out drafts from outside.
Have both your fireplace and chimney inspected by a professional before use at the beginning of every season.
Burn only seasoned hardwood – never burn boxes or trash.

Move all objects away from the hearth when a fire is burning, including decorations.
Do not use any accelerants on your fire (e.g., lighter fluid).
Trim any branches hanging over the chimney area.
Safely dispose of ashes from the fire once they have cooled. Use a metal container to carry the ashes and be sure to properly empty it far away from any buildings or houses nearby.

While fireplaces can be a wonderful addition to your home, they can also be a source of dangerous housefires. Make sure you have working smoke detectors in your home and create a plan for your family in the event of a fire. Taking precautions and implementing proper safety measures can help ensure that you can use your fireplace safely all season long.

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