How to Use a Fireplace Safely for the Holidays
Since the fireplace holds such importance, it is essential to use it safely as it is known to cause house fires and spoil the fun.
The holidays are the favorite time of the year for many people, with all the colorful decorations, great food, and celebrations with family and friends enjoying the warm fire by the fireplace. The fireplace usually takes centerstage for the decorations and the festivities. Since the fireplace holds such importance, it is essential to use it safely as it is known to cause house fires and spoil the fun.
Residential fires nearly double during the holiday season, and fireplaces are among the leading culprits. Here are a few fireplace safety tips for the holidays to keep the home and loved ones protected:
Schedule annual chimney cleaning inspection
The first thing to do before lighting up or decorating the fireplace is to call a chimney sweep to inspect and clean the fireplace and chimney. Annual maintenance significantly reduces fire risk by eliminating hazardous creosote and soot. It also helps identify potential safety issues that demand repair. In addition, regular cleaning and inspection ensure the fireplace and chimney is up to par and ready for heavy winter use.
Get fire-resistant decorations
Several people love to decorate the mantle for the holiday season. While a beautifully decorated mantle looks attractive, it can become a fire hazard without proper care. To reduce fire concerns and ensure safety, shop for decorations with increased fire resistance. These are safe and less likely to cause a house fire accidentally. Check for the fire-resistant label before purchasing anything.
Do not keep combustibles near the fireplace
A valuable tip for fireplace safety during the holidays is to ensure that all combustible materials like the Christmas tree, stockings, wrapping paper, candles, blankets, pillows, gifts, ribbons, and garlands are kept at a minimum of three feet away from the fireplace. If hanging stockings or decorating them with garlands or ribbons, remove them before using the fireplace. Ensure there is nothing too close to the fireplace that can get ignited by stray sparks.
Use fireplace-compatible fuel
Never use cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, or other packing material to fuel the fire, as they can significantly increase the risk of accidental fire. Likewise, do not burn anything other than seasoned wood in the fireplace to protect the family from toxic fumes and house fires.
Keep an operable fire extinguisher at hand
A fire extinguisher is an excellent safety tool to protect the home from fire during holidays. Keep a small extinguisher in a convenient location if there is an electrical fire or fire due to burning embers from combustible material buildup. Please read all the instructions carefully and test them before the holidays.
Use a protective barrier around the fireplace
Fireplaces are attractive to the kids and pets in the house. Therefore, consider using a gate or fire screen around the fireplace to avoid any untoward incident from flying embers. These barriers are the key to keeping kids and pets away and preventing fire-related accidents.
Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are the best line of defense if anything goes wrong with the chimney. Check both the devices regularly for working batteries and proper functioning to avoid being caught unaware of any hazard.
Have a merry and safe holiday season!
Follow these helpful tips to enjoy a warm, safe, happy, and stress-free holiday season. Also, contact a local fireplace maintenance service if you need any help.
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