If you have a fireplace, you need to take some important steps to ensure that you and your family stay safe during a fire. Here are 5 tips that will help you make sure that your home is a fire-safe zone.
Proper wood for a fire
Choosing the right wood for a fire can make a huge difference in the safety and quality of your fireplace. If you are unsure which wood to use, you can always ask your local forester or look online for information.
Hardwood is the best type of wood for fireplaces. These woods tend to be denser and burn longer. They also release more heat. Some of the more popular hardwoods are ash, birch, oak, pecan, and beech.
Softwoods are also great for fireplaces. But they produce more creosote than hardwoods, so they may not burn as long.
To avoid a buildup of creosote in your chimney, you should only burn wood that has been seasoned. This process reduces the amount of moisture in the wood to less than 20%. This will help to prevent the buildup of harmful combustion fumes.
In addition to staying away from creosote, it is also important to put your wood in the right place. The best place to store wood is a dry, breezy area away from home.
Avoid toxic, flammable items in the fireplace
There are an unholy number of risks that come with fire, but there are some tips and tricks you can use to cut down on the risks. First, never leave a fire unattended. Secondly, make sure you have the proper chimney caps and spark arrestors. Finally, be sure to take note of the pitfalls: embers can fly out of chimneys and cause serious damage to your home. Keep an eye out for these fire hazards for the best results, and don’t hesitate to call the fire department! If you have children, make sure they are supervised at all times.
You also may want to consider purchasing a new fireplace or installing a wood stove to keep warm. The former will reduce the cost of heating your home. The latter will provide a more consistent source of heat and will improve your overall heating experience. You should also avoid using a fireplace as a place to burn trash unless you are a professional who can handle the stench!
Keep furniture and decorations at least three feet away from the fireplace
Did you know that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends keeping flammables at least three feet away from your fireplace? The same is true of any space heater in the vicinity. The same is also true of the Christmas tree and other holiday decorations. For the sake of the fireplace, it is best to keep small children away from the embers.
It is a good idea to use a fireplace extinguisher as well. Aside from protecting the embers from a fireball, a fire extinguisher can also help you save a life should you ever need it.
A good rule of thumb is to keep the flaming wood at least two feet away from the fireplace, as well as any combustibles on the hearth. If possible, place a fireproof glass door on the fireplace to aid in the fire suppression process. The glass door also helps cool off a hot fireplace.
A fireplace is not meant to replace your furnace. With the right safety precautions, you can enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of a hot fireplace without having to worry about what could go wrong.
Close before you doze
If you live in a house with a fireplace, you need to make sure you keep your fireplace safe. The first step is to close your door before you go to bed, which will help to minimize the smoke in your home and prevent the spread of a household fire. The second step is to have a working smoke alarm in your home. In fact, 38 percent of home fire deaths occur because there is no working smoke detector.
Carbon monoxide, which is a poison made when the wood is burned, is another thing you should be aware of. It is hazardous if you are sleeping near the fireplace, so it’s important to have a fire extinguisher on hand. It’s also important to remember that embers should not be left to burn. Let the ashes cool before you remove them. You should also use the damper in your fireplace only when the fire is completely out.
In addition to closing the door, you should also keep a fire extinguisher nearby and have a working smoke alarm in the bedroom. These simple steps will greatly reduce your chances of dying in a house fire.
