The holiday season is approaching quickly, and that means lots of friends, family, food, fun, and fireplaces.
Everyone knows that there is nothing better than having a bright and comfy fire crackling in the stove or fireplace at the center of all the festivities. That said, it’s important to make sure your fireplace is working the way it should – and that all appropriate safety measures are in place.
Ashbuster Milwaukee wants our customers to be able to enjoy their fireplace to its fullest. That’s why we’ve put together some essential safety tips for you to keep in mind as the holiday season draws near.
How To Stay Safer When Using Your Fireplace
✔️ Schedule an Inspection
Our technicians at Ashbusters Milwaukee are trained, experienced, and fully equipped to safely inspect your fireplace or wood stove appliance. We’ll ensure that there are no hazards waiting to cause problems when you start using your system for the season. In addition, an inspection by our experts will provide you with the assurance that your fireplace and chimney are ready to do their jobs efficiently.
In the end, if there are defects, damage, or debris within your system, you run a higher risk of causing dangerous fires by using your fireplace. Our professionals are able to spot these risks and help you address them before they become a serious problem.
✔️ Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that is produced whenever burning occurs. This colorless and odorless toxin is poisonous when breathed in, and too much of it can lead to severe sickness – and even death – if not detected promptly.
Last year alone, tens of thousands people in the U.S. visited the emergency room because of exposure to carbon monoxide and over 400 people died. In order to make sure you and your family are alerted if carbon monoxide is present, make sure that you have carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout your home.
✔️ Use the Right Fuel
This might sound like a no-brainer, but it is important to remember to only burn seasoned hardwood in a wood-burning fireplace. Green or wet wood does not burn as efficiently and creates larger amounts of gases, soot, and smoke. These burning byproducts float up the chimney and stick to the walls creating creosote buildup – and creosote buildup is highly combustible and a leading cause of chimney fires.
Can I burn wood in my gas fireplace?
No. If you have a gas fireplace, make sure you aren’t burning wood or other fuel within your fireplace. Keeping the burners clear of combustible material is essential to safe gas fireplace use.
✔️ Supervise Children & Pets
Young children and pets are naturally curious creatures. The glow and flickering lights within a fireplace can be pretty magnetic to a little one exploring their world. Of course, a little slip can become a serious accident. Always make sure there is an adult in the room with them when a fire is lit. It may be worth using a safety gate to keep them away, as well.
✔️ Keep Fire Extinguishers Handy
Every household should have an ABC fire extinguisher on hand. Make sure it’s easily accessible and that you and your family members know how to use it. Be prepared for any unexpected situations.
✔️ Decorate With Caution
Of course, the holidays wouldn’t be quite as fun without the decorations. Decorating safely is essential to making sure you get all the nostalgic beauty of the holidays – without the worry of a house fire.
- Maintain a safe distance from the fireplace to any decorations or furniture. There should be a minimum of three feet between any flames and decorations.
- Holiday lights can be a fire hazard. Inspect your light strings before hanging them. Make sure there are no exposed wires or broken light bulbs.
- Don’t hang stockings or other flammable items directly above the fireplace. Use a mantel or wall hooks that are a safe distance from any flames.
- If a Christmas tree is a part of your holiday celebrations, make sure that it is well-watered. If you have it in the same room as your fireplace, make sure it is at least 3 feet away from the flames. Make sure there is a screen in front of your fireplace to keep sparks from making their way to your tree.
- Candles should always be on a fireproof, heat-resistant surface. They should remain at a minimum distance of three feet from your fireplace. Never leave your candles unattended.
Need Fireplace & Chimney Services? We Can Help
A fireplace is one of the staples of the holiday season. You owe it to your home and your family to make sure that you are ready to light that fire and get that fireplace or wood stove ready to go. Take the proper precautions and call the experts at Ashbusters Milwaukee to come and inspect your fireplace, home heating appliance, and chimney, so that all of those memories can be made safely.
Call us today to schedule your inspection.