Fireplace Safety Tips
12/21/2017 (Permalink)
Fireplace Safety Tips
~Have your fireplace inspected annually by a professional chimney sweep. Have repairs done to your fireplace and/or chimney before using.
~Make sure your chimney has a cap to prevent animals and debris from entering.
~To prevent the buildup of creosote (which can cause fires) burn only seasoned hardwood or manufactured logs in your fireplace.
~When using manufactured logs, please read the instructions on the bag. Manufactured logs burn hotter than natural wood and can warp metal chimneys if you burn more than one at a time.
~Slow and steady burns generate less smoke and are much safer, a roaring fire can crack your chimney. Make sure your damper is adjusted properly.
~Practice safe stacking. Positioning of logs near the back of the fireplace to prevent fire and ashes from finding a way out of the hearth and into your home is always the safest way to stack your wood.
~Always have glass doors or a screen guard (Spark Guard) made for a fireplace.
~Wood burning heat sources put off carbon monoxide, please make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector.
~Keep The area around the fireplace clear of flammable objects and during the holidays do not use your fireplace if you use it to put decorations on and around.
~Do not burn paper with fancy finishes in it, like glossy paper-wrapping paper, shiny paper, bows, foam peanuts, etc.
~Always use a metal bucket for the ashes and immediately take it outside and place away from the house.
~Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM SERVPRO® OF FREDERICKSBURG