Remember Fire and Fireplace Safety Early

fireplace safetyA few weeks ago, I wanted to be sure you've checked your furnace operation in preparation for the peak usage season. Now let's talk about the other method many people use for home heating. Keeping your fireplace safe this season will help ensure your family is comfortable until Spring flowers return.

While 40% of residential fires are contributed to cooking (the leading cause), heating-related fire is the leading cause in rural areas, accounting for 28% of total residential building fires (the second leading cause)*. So when you crank up the fireplace this season, also remember to use common sense and keep safety first.
  1. Have a fire extinguisher near your fireplace at all times.
  2. Always check that the fireplace damper is open before starting a fire. Do not close the damper until all embers have completely gone out. Most fire victims die from smoke or toxic gas inhalation.
  3. Only burn specified fireplace articles. Never burn garbage, plastic or foreign objects.
  4. Be sure holiday trees, gift wrap and decorations are at least 5 feet away from fireplaces at all times. Flammable decorative items increase the incidence of holiday fires.
  5. Close your fire gate to prevent sparks from entering the living space.
Also be sure everyone in the family knows where fire extinguishers are located and have fire department phone numbers posted on your refrigerator and near home phones. Just a little fire prevention and common sense will go a long way to ensuring you have a warm cozy heating season. Enjoy your fall and winter family festivities!

Posted: 10/20/2008 1:11:07 AM by Sam