Fireplace Safety Tips
Even when you use your fireplace less in the warmer weather, there are still things to remember. In fact, using your fireplace less may make you more lax when it comes to fireplace safety. Your fireplace is still the focal point of your living space, and you still may choose to use it for ambiance and supplemental heat during the spring. Fire safety should always be the #1 priority when you have a fireplace in your home.
When the Fire is Out
When there isn’t a fire burning in the fireplace, it’s important to remember it is still dangerous. If there are children or guests with children in the home, they should use caution while playing near the hearth, even when there is no fire lit.
-Treat the fireplace as if there is a fire burning in it.
-Keep the fireplace screen up and properly installed.
-Close doors securely and check the hinges and latches regularly.
-Keep the damper closed when a fire is not burning to prevent animal intrusion that may cause damage and obstruction.
When the Fire is Burning
When you’re ready to light a fire in your spring fireplace, it can be tricky. The air becomes more warm and humid during spring, making it more difficult to light a fire. Only burn properly seasoned firewood in your fireplace.
When Burning Fires Outside
Spring is a popular time to open your outdoor fire pit for the season. Depending on the style of fire pit you might have in your outdoor space, you may not be worried about fire safety. However, when a fire is burning, fire safety should be a concern!
-Never leave a fire unattended.
-Keep children away from the fire.
-Only burn wood and kindling in your fire. Leaves, pine cones/needles, and paper can float away and cause a fire elsewhere.
-Fill a bucket of water and keep it nearby in case of emergency.
-Use proper, long-handled tools to stir the fire.
-Use long-handled spears for roasting marshmallows and hot dogs to avoid burns.
-Roast marshmallows over embers instead of flames in order to avoid a torch-like fire.
-When putting your fire out, spread out the embers and sprinkle water to avoid hot embers spraying when you dump a large amount of water.
It is always important to know your fire appliance. If you use your appliance improperly, it may be unsafe and you don’t realize it. Read your owner’s manual if you never have and make sure you know how it’s designed to work. You may need to cover your fire pit or do something special to prevent damage that can make it malfunction before you use it again.
When you buy your outdoor products from Beach Stove and Fireplace you will receive your manual and the expert advice of our technicians. Are you thinking about a fire pit and don’t know where to start? Start at Beach Stove and Fireplace! Call 631-998-0780 or come by our showroom!