As the weather turns cooler, many residents will throw another log on the fire to help stay warm. Managing editor Tami Roleff offers these safety tips for your fireplaces to decrease the chance of having a preventable home fire…
Follow these fireplace safety precautions to help you enjoy your fire in the safest way possible.
- Be sure to have a proper spark arrester on all chimney tops to prevent burning embers from blowing out of the top of the chimney and starting a fire on your roof or a neighbor’s.
- Never use a fireplace during high winds, especially if you have a wood shake roof.
- Be sure that you have a fireplace screen large enough to block flying embers and rolling logs from escaping onto your floor.
- Store paper, kindling, and other flammable material at least three feet from the fireplace.
- Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container.
- Have your chimneys inspected and cleaned by a professional before each heating season.
By following these safety tips, you’ll increase your chances of preventing home fires.
