Winter is here, and you must be tempted to start using your fireplace again for that cozy winter feeling. There is nothing better than sitting around the fireplace with your family, sipping on hot cocoa, and talking away snuggled in blankets.
Of course, that is all fun, but we know the danger of fire and the need to be extremely careful, particularly around children. According to the National Safety Council, winter is the peak time for fire-related deaths and injuries. It doesn’t hurt to be extra careful while enjoying some quality time with your families, so whenever you’re starting a fire at home this winter, better keep these safety tips in mind that we have noted down for you.
Fire Safety Tips
Apart from being on alert and knowing what’s happening in your surroundings, you can take some preventive measures and tips you could follow for your and your family’s safety.
1. Install Smoke Alarms
The National Fire Protection Association suggests installing smoke alarms outside every bedroom, on every level of your home, in furnace areas, and outside any sleeping areas. Prevention is better than cure, so testing out your smoke alarms every month is also recommended.
2. Air Flow
Every 88 seconds, a home fire is reported in the United States. To make sure you’re practicing utmost safety, it is best to keep a window open for some airflow when you light your fireplace.
3. Keep the Damper Open
Before starting a fire in the fireplace, make sure you have kept the chimney damper or flue open. This will make sure that smoke is getting drawn out of the house. Do not close the damper until the fire completely stops burning.
4. Use Dry Wood
Another tip of safely lighting a fire in your chimney is to make sure you’re using dry and well-aged wood. Green and wet wood causes more smoke and can be a reason for the soot buildup in your chimney, which leads to bad chimney damage.
5. Get Your Chimney Checked
Even if your chimney looks as good as new, it is important to make it a habit to get your chimney checked annually by a professional. Taking care of your fireplace regularly with cleaning, regular repairs, creosote cleanup, etc., is very important.
If you’re looking for professional chimney repair services in CT or need to get your fireplace in CT checked, get in touch with our experts at CT Chimney Repair, and we’ll make sure everything is running safely for you and your family.
