Fireplace Safety Tips for Fall

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

Fireplaces are a great way to relax and unwind in the cooler months.

As colder weather beings to roll into Oklahoma City, it is appealing to light up your fireplace to invite some warmth into your home. Fireplaces are a leading cause of house fires. Here are some tips regarding fireplace safety so that you can enjoy your fireplace with less worry this fall and winter.

Give your fireplace some space. Arrange the area around your fireplace with care. Do not place any furniture too close to the fireplace. If the fireplace overheats, it can cause nearby items to ignite. Make sure that you, your family, and your friends maintain a safe distance from the fireplace as well.

Reduce your risk of chimney fires. There are several ways you can (and should!) do this. First, you should have your chimney checked and cleaned at least once a year by a certified chimney sweep. Second, you should use a chimney cap, and regularly assess that the chimney cap is securely attached to the chimney and is not blocked by any leaves or any other debris. This ensures that smoke and carbon monoxide can exit your home properly. Additionally, you can use a spark arrester, which will decrease the chance that a spark will fall off the chimney into the lawn and start a fire.

Be mindful of what you are burning. You should only use wood in your fireplace. Do not put anything treated with chemicals in your fireplace, as the toxins will be introduced into your home as the wood burns. Do not use any moist or wet wood. Wet wood creates more smoke as it burns, which will likely causes more creosotes to build up in your chimney. Creosotes are extremely flammable, and increase the risk of chimney fire. Ensure that leftover firewood is properly stored while you are saving it so that it can safely be used the next time you do want to use it.  

No matter how careful you are, things can still wrong. And if they do, SERVPRO of Central Oklahoma City is here to help you. Our award-winning team is a trusted leader in the fire damage restoration and repair industry. Our team is standing by 24/7 so help will be on the way as soon as you call!