Fireplace Safety Tips for your Heeney Home

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

While a wood-burning fireplace adds warmth and comfort to a home during the colder months, safety should always be top of mind. The NFPA estimates that fireplaces and chimneys cause15,000 house fires per year in the United States.

 Creosote is a black or brown residue that can build up over time and could cause a fire.  It is important to make sure that your chimney is clean and safe for a fire.  Check out these tips to learn how to work and maintain a fireplace.

 Before that first fire of the season, check the chimney structure for cracks, loose bricks, or missing mortar.

• Keep the glass open to allow air to be drawn up to cool the chimney, but keep the screen closed to prevent sparks from jumping onto the carpeting.
• Do not burn paper in your fireplace.

• Use fireplace tools to handle burning logs. Never use your hands.
• Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the chimney when necessary. Have him show you how to check it yourself, too.
• Put ashes in a metal container with a lid, outside, at least three feet from your home
• Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home
• Fireplace coals can remain hot enough to start a fire for up to three days, so always wait at least that long before removing the ashes. 

SERVPRO of Summit, Lake, Park & Eagle Counties has a team of highly trained technicians ready to respond to a fire damage emergency 24/7.  Call us today at 970-949-3235.

Authored by: Chafika and James Landers 

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• AMRT -Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• ASD -Applied Structural Drying Technician
• CCT -Carpet Cleaning Technician
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