Here we are in the dead of winter. This is the time of year when people in Idaho Falls love to snuggle up in front of the fireplace. A fireplace is a great way to heat your home during the cold winter nights. Just make sure that it is properly cared for. The downside is that your fireplace can pose risks when fireplace safety issues are not at the top of your mind. Here are some sure-fire ways to keep the fire where it belongs.
Clean The Fireplace
If you are planning to use your fireplace, make sure that you clean it well first. You need to get the dust and ash out of there — all the way up through the chimney. It is recommended that you hire a professional to clean the chimney at least annually.
Install Smoke Detectors
When you have a home inspection, one of the requirements is that there are working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. These safety measures are worth every penny — even when they go off because you burned your steak or you took too hot of a shower. Hey, at least you know they are working right? You should also test them several times a year just to be on the safe side.
Give It Space
Think of your fireplace as a forbidden zone for everything else in your home. Keep all furniture, curtains, and other possessions from being left too close to the fireplace. Remember, just because the fire has died down or is pretty much out, a spark can still fly and start a fire. It’s your job to make sure they don’t have anything in the neighborhood that can catch fire.
Use Good Wood
The wood you use in your fireplace will make a big difference. You should only be burning dry, dead wood. Using wood that is still green or damp will just give you more smoke. This isn’t what you want inside the home. The smoke will damage your walls in the house and is also damaging to your body — double whammy! Another tip is to use smaller logs on the fire. This will give you less smoke, they’ll burn faster, and won’t smolder as much.
Use Your Damper
If you don’t know how to use your damper, it’s time to learn. Before starting a fire, open the damper to direct the smoke out of the house through the chimney.
Be Prepared
The last thing you want to do is fight a fire in your own home. But if it comes to that, you need to have the proper equipment available. Make sure you are equipped with fire extinguishers and a foolproof exit plan. Everyone in the home needs to know what the plan is and where to meet in case something happens.
Protect The Kids
Of course, your top priority should be to keep everyone safe. Everyone in the home needs to be aware of the things you do and don’t do with and around the fireplace. You might even install a fire safe safety game. However you decide to handle it, the one rule that always applies is don’t leave a child unattended when a fire is burning.
Use The Right Tools
If you have an use a fireplace, you better have the proper tools that go along with it. Don’t just find the nearest object to stoke the fire. Make sure you have good, quality gloves if you are doing anything by hand. Keep your home and yourself safe by using the proper equipment.
In Conclusion
A fire in your home is a terrible thing for anyone to experience. The loss of your belongings is devastating, but nothing compared to the potential loss of life from a fire in your home. That’s why a little bit of fireplace safety is so important in Idaho Falls. Sunrise Cleaning & Restoration is here for you if things go south. Whether you need some cleaning after smoke damage or a complete restoration after a fire, Sunrise has your back — 24/7 in case of any emergency.
