Cuddle Up to Fireplace Safety

More than one third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel fired appliances to heat their homes. Nothing is quite as cozy as that warm, crackling fire in the fireplace. But if you aren't careful, more than your toes could get toasty. An average of 6000 people end up in emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireplaces and fireplace equipment and approximately 14,000 house fires each year are started by fireplaces.

Keep your family safe and warm by following these fireplace safety tips:

• Inspect the fireplace to make sure it has adequate protective linings and that the chimney is clean and in good repair.


• Keep the top of the chimney clear of tree limbs or debris.


• Install a chimney cap to keep animals and debris out of the chimney.


• Always open the fireplace damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool.


• Use well-seasoned firewood that has been dried for a minimum of six months to a year and stored properly at least 30 feet away from your home.


• To build the fire correctly, place firewood or firelogs at the rear of the fireplace on a supporting grate. Use a firelighter to start the fire.


• Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other fuel to light or relight a fire. Vapors can explode and even travel the length of the room to explode fuels stored there.


• Carbon monoxide build-up can occur if you use coal or charcoal in a fireplace.


• Never burn trash or gift wrap in the fireplace because polystyrene foam and other coated materials can generate deadly fumes and flying paper embers can ignite the roof.


• If artificial logs are used, be sure to read the directions. Use just one log at a time and do not add additional logs untile the fire is completely extinguished. Never add artificial logs to natural wood fires because it could cause a flare-up.


• Don't poke artificial logs. they are made of wax and sawdust and have special burning properties. Poking them could cause a flare-up or cause flaming wax to adhere to the poker and drop onto the floor or carpet.


• Always use a screen to keep sparks from flying out and to protect clothing on children and adults from catching on fire.


• Warn children about the danger of fire and don't let them play with fire.


• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist.


• Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.

Relax, follow these rules and you will be able to safely cuddle up before that warm, crackling fire.  So, before you light up this year, take a few minutes to use some common sense and keep it safe!

Kathy Reets - Co-Founder and Owner