It’s Cold Out! Fireplace Safety Tips for a Cozy Winter Season

For many people, the home fireplace becomes more than decorative when it gets cold outside. Fireplaces provide many families with heat to stay warm and toasty – this list can help you keep track of proper maintenance and make sure your fireplace is ready for regular use.

General fireplace and chimney safety 

• Call a professional to inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney every year before you begin using it for the season. If you’re using a gas or wood fireplace, open the chimney flue prior to starting the fire to let fresh air feed the flames and allow smoke to exit. Close the flue once the fire is put out.
• Keep the area surrounding the fireplace free from flammable objects. Be extra cautious of this during the holidays. Keep decorations and stockings a safe distance away from a fire and don’t ever use your fireplace to burn Christmas trees or wrapping paper. Pine boughs and paper burn intensely and lead to roof or chimney fires.

Gas fireplace safety tips

Gas fireplaces are exceedingly popular for their efficiency and cleaner burning properties. Enjoy them safely by acknowledging the following safety conditions:

• Keep your clearance zone clear. Many gas fireplaces have technology that makes it safe to place electronics and décor near the fireplace or on the mantle. However, some items should never be placed within your fireplace’s clearance zone. These items include paper items like books, newspapers, and magazines; fabrics, like blankets or drapes; and wood.
• Proper ventilation is key. Natural gas and carbon monoxide can kill. Make sure your flue and vents are all functioning properly.
• Maintain your safety barrier. Whether it’s glass or metal, keep your safety screen in excellent condition. This will prevent flames or burning material from getting out of your fireplace, and keep flammable items from getting in.

Electric fireplace safety tips

Electric fireplaces make it possible to have a fireplace in a location that wouldn’t normally be able to fit one. The flame isn’t real, but that doesn’t mean they are without risk. As a source of heat, an electric fireplace should always be treated with care. In addition to maintaining the clearance zone discussed above, observe the following safety tips when using an electric fireplace:

• Use proper cords. Many companies do not recommend using extension cords for electric fireplaces. Some will allow grounded, heavy-duty cords that are the appropriate gauge and wattage rating. Make sure to follow your manufacturer’s specific guidelines to ensure your safety.
• Plug in to an appropriate socket. An electric fireplace is essentially a forced air heater, and it is subject to the restrictions of a standard household socket, wiring and fuse box. Be sure not to draw more power from your socket than it can handle, else you run the risk of starting a real fire.

Wood burning fireplace safety tips

Wood fireplaces create enormous amounts of smoke and particulates and are being replaced by more efficient, cleaner and safer options. The ambiance of a crackling fire with real burning wood is becoming a thing of the past, but there are still some in use, so here are tips to make wood burning safer:

• Consider what type of fire you want so that you can select the right type of wood. If the fire is more for aesthetics, lighter wood or a synthetic log are good choices. If your fireplace being used for heat, oak or ash may be a better fit, since they’re heavier and burn hotter.
• Avoid using wood from recently cut trees. They contain high levels of moisture, which can lead to more smoke and deposits forming inside the chimney.
• Synthetic logs can burn unevenly, so be careful when using them. Even though they’re not real wood, the flue should still be open for proper ventilation as synthetic logs produce carbon monoxide.
• Wood should be seasoned and dry – wood appears darker, has cracks at the ends, and will sound hollow when hit against another piece of wood.
• Have a metal container handy when removing and storing hot ashes. Store it outside at a safe distance from your home, since embers and ashes can stay hot for a long time.
• Start your fire with newspaper, dry kindling or organic fire starters. Never use gasoline, kerosene or charcoal starter.
• Use a stainless steel liner to help keep the fire and ashes contained.
• Install heat-proof glass doors to keep live embers from escaping the fireplace.
• Look for signs of creosote and soot buildup. Creosote is a dark substance that can accumulate if wood isn’t burning completely. It’s a highly flammable fuel and can burn at about 2000°F. Soot, which can also be flammable, is softer than creosote. Both should be cleaned out of the chimney regularly.

With these tips, you can help ensure that a cozy fire will be a safe and welcome addition to a chilly winter season.

If you have questions or would like to discuss your current and future personal insurance needs, feel free to email me at aromo@vanbeurden.com.

As reported by Nationwide