Fireplaces are a great way to warm up your home on cold winter days but there are several safety concerns with indoor fires. Ensure you are practicing good fire safety for not only open flame but gas fireplaces too.
Cleaning
Clean up around the fireplace or gas stove before lighting anything. Some things can get too hot and catch fire unexpectedly. Avoid disaster with a little cleanup ahead of time. Never store items on gas stoves.
Children
Keep children safe by speaking with them about the dangers of fires. Explain the importance of allowing plenty of room near a fire so no one gets injured. Children should not stand too closely or lay right next to a fire or stove.
Open Flames
Ensure you open the damper or flue on fireplaces before starting a fire. The smoke will be drawn out of the house so that smoke does not build up in the house. Use the proper type of wood for fireplaces. Wood should be well-dried and well-aged for less smoke buildup. Finally, get your chimney cleaned by a professional each year to avoid build up on the chimney walls.
Gas Stoves
Do not fall into a lull with fire safety because you think gas stoves or gas-powered fireplaces are safer. The gas stoves get really hot and increase safety hazards because people are often less careful with them. Jackets, blankets, stuffed animals and other items can melt easily from the heat produced by a gas stove or fireplace.
Fire safety is very important in your home and should be considered when having an open flame this winter.
Merdes Law Office wishes everyone a Safe and Holiday Season.
Merdes Law Office has been helping Alaskans for more than 30 years. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
