381-8 Old Riverhead Road

Westhampton Beach, NY

Tel. 631-998-0780

Hours: Tues. - Thur. 9am to 3pm / Fri. 9am to 12pm (or by appt.) / Sat. - Mon. Closed

Our Company Blog

Fire Safety for Fireplace Owners

A fireplace can add impressive beauty and comfort to a home, particularly during the chilly winter months. Few can resist the allure of the crackling flames and soothing warmth, which makes fireplaces such popular additions to home. However, they come with their own set of risks, just like all other household appliances. Keeping safety in mind this season can help ensure a warm, happy winter for everyone.

First of all, fireplaces are built to contain live flames that can burn upward of hundreds of degrees depending on the type of fuel being burned. In just a moment of contact with flames, skin can suffer severe burns and flammable materials can ignite violently. One good measure to take to help avoid this type of damage is to maintain a safe distance of at least three feet from the fireplace. This concerns both people and combustible items in the home, such as furniture and decorations. To help maintain this distance, the fire should remain supervised at all times, especially with children or pets around.

fireplace-fire-safety-image-westhamtpon-beach-ny-beach-stove-and-fireplace

Children and pets are at the highest risk around the fireplace. In addition to close supervision, another way to keep them safe is to have heat resistant glass doors installed on the face of the fireplace. Designed to separate the home from the fire, the newer models of glass doors even stay cool to the touch while the fire burns, making them an ideal safety feature. For older children, teach them about fire safety, including the risk of burns and the danger of putting foreign objects into the fire.

Another crucial step to take to keep the fireplace safe is to have it serviced regularly. Fire code requires the chimney be swept at least once per year. This practice removes built up soot or creosote, which can block the proper ventilation of fumes from the home or even cause a devastating chimney fire. Additionally, an inspection must be performed annually to detect any potential safety threats like an obstruction, a damaged flue lining, or a malfunctioning damper, all of which can flood the house with poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

One final measure, which should be present in a house whether or not it has a fireplace, is the proper placement of functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors should be placed on each floor, outside the sleeping area, and inside each bedroom. Carbon monoxide detectors should also be on each floor and outside the sleeping area. Each detector should be replaced every five to ten years, depending on the manufacturer’s requirements, and the batteries must be tested every month and replaced if necessary.

For more tips on being safe with your fireplace this winter, contact the professionals at Beach Stove and Fireplace.

By Julie Dismore on January 24th, 2015 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Fire Safety for Fireplace Owners

Fire Up the Fire Pit

After the origin of controlled fire, you have to believe that the creation of fire pits followed shortly thereafter.  And now here you sit with an empty backyard, with the exception of a grill and/or some outdoor furniture on your patio.  Now is as good a time as any to add that fire pit you’ve been thinking about since last summer.  Fire pits have become increasingly popular in recent years—they’re the #1 requested backyard design feature according to the American Society of Landscape Architects—and the trend shows no signs of losing steam.

Setting the Tone in your Backyard

Make sure all family members know basic fire safety, particularly children.

Make sure all family members know basic fire safety, particularly children.

Keep in mind that fire pits don’t take up a lot of space, and combined with their functionality, can be featured almost anywhere in unlimited shapes and sizes.  The warmth and joy that radiates from the open fire can make parties, intimate gatherings, and simple marshmallow roasts the most sought-after and enjoyable activities of the spring, summer, and autumn months.  However, fire pits are wrought with dangers, and to ensure everyone’s safety, there are important safety tips every fire pit owner should know.

Fire Pit Safety Basics

As with any situation involving fire, there are many safety measures homeowners can take to ensure that you and yours remain safe.  The following safety protocols are a good jumping off point:

  • Always keep a fire extinguisher handy.
  • Keep a first aid kit on hand for any accidental burns.
  • Don’t light a fire in windy conditions.  One stray spark can cause a large fire in no time.
  • Don’t light a fire if a fire warning has been issued in your area.
  • Don’t allow children to light or play near the fire.  Closely supervise children at all times around your fire pit.
  • Always use seasoned wood and kindling to light your fire.  Avoid using soft woods (e.g., pine or cedar) because they can pop and throw sparks.  Do NOT use accelerants (e.g., gasoline, lighter fluid, or alcohol) or trash to light a fire.
  • Put out the fire completely before leaving the pit unattended or before going inside for the evening.  Even the smallest fire can become a large fire quickly; as such, embers should be completely extinguished.
  • Safely dispose of all ashes.

Fire Pit Positioning

You should set up your fire pit in an area that is well away (at least 10 feet) from adjacent walls or building overhangs.  You’ll also want to make sure the area is free of combustible materials and on a noncombustible surface.  Move all outdoor furniture at least 3 feet away from the fire pit as well.  Keep an eye out for low-hanging branches and drooping power lines overhead, and place the pit well clear of them.

Fire pits are very popular, but you need to keep fire pit safety in mind when using one.  The tips listed in this blog will help you get the most out of your enjoyable outdoor addition and reduce the likelihood of injury and/or damage to your property.  The professionals at Beach Stove & Fireplace are ever ready to meet and exceed your expectations.  Give us a call (631-998-0780) or contact us via our website to see how we can assist you with all of your outdoor living projects.

By Julie Dismore on April 15th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , , | Comments Off on Fire Up the Fire Pit

Fire Safety Infographic

Having the knowledge on fire safety can lessen the risks of untoward accidents due to fires. Make sure you are well-prepared for a house fire. Even better, know how to prevent them!

Knowing the basics to fire safety can give you assurance and peace of mind.

Knowing the basics to fire safety can give you assurance and peace of mind.

By Julie Dismore on February 9th, 2014 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , , | Comments Off on Fire Safety Infographic

Our Location

Beach Stove and Fireplace is located on Old Riverhead Road between Montauk Highway and Sunrise Highway. From Sunrise Highway take exit 63 south, travel 1.2 miles and turn right at the 381 complex (just north of Gabreski Airport)