It’s in the 30’s today in the Upper Midwest—a lot of residents here are recovering from a moderate storm that dumped up to 14 inches of snow in some spots. With chilly temperatures and a fresh blanket of snow outside, nothing is better than coming indoors to warm up in front of a roaring fire. Sounds inviting, but without taking the proper precautions, that warm and toasty fire can come back to burn you.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, there are approximately 11,000 chimney fires in the United States every year, which cause more than $7 million in damage. And those statistics don’t account for fires started by logs and embers rolling out of the fireplace, or hot tools being placed next to flammable materials.
To avoid becoming a statistic it’s a good idea to review some fireplace safety tips:
1. Clean Your Chimney
You want a clean chimney, but experts say you should never try to clean it yourself. Rather, the job is best left to professionals who have brushes, solvents, and other equipment to ensure your flue and firebox are clean and in good working condition. As one expert put it: “Do-it-yourself chimney sweeping products will not tell you if you have a crack in your flue that is allowing hot gases to leak into the walls of your home.” Experts recommend you have your chimney cleaned at least once a year. However, if you live in a cold climate and use your fireplace on a daily basis, go for two cleanings.
2. Stick To Hardwood
When shopping for firewood, stick with “hardwood.” Soft woods such as pine and cedar do not burn as cleanly as hardwoods, and will cause far more buildup of harmful (and flammable) soot and resins in your chimney.
3. Don’t Use Your Fireplace To Get Rid Of Trash
Simply put: don’t burn unwanted material in your fireplace. That means no old landscape timbers that were “just getting in the way” (most are treated with various chemicals that can spell disaster when lit). In addition, never use as any kind of treated, varnished, painted or stained wood in your fireplace.
4. Proper Tools
You don’t want to mess with faulty fireplace tools such as a poker with a loose tip or a pair of tongs with a bad hinge. Before your first fire, examine all of your tools and listen for any unfamiliar rattles.
5. Clear The Area
Before you light your first fire, take a moment to inspect the area around your fireplace. Make sure drapes, pictures, wall hangings or other flammable decorative touches are not located too close for comfort.
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Getting Your Home Ready For Winter-Part 1: The Furnace