Fireplace Safety Tips
There’s nothing quite like snuggling up by a warm fire as winter’s chill sets in. As you enjoy the cozy ambiance of your fireplace, the condition or “health” of your fireplace and chimney might not be on your mind. However, neglecting annual maintenance could quickly put a damper on your enjoyment. Fireplaces are a delightful addition to any home, but they come with their own set of safety concerns. Keeping your fireplace in good shape and ensuring its safety can help prevent fire damage, ultimately protecting your home and loved ones.
What you should know about wood-burning fireplaces
When starting a fire, use extra-long matches or a lighter to prevent burning your hands or arms. Use small pieces of dry wood or twigs to get your fire started. Make sure the damper stays open while your fire burns to ensure proper ventilation. To check if your damper is open, look up into your fireplace with a flashlight or feel for a draft. Do not close the damper until the fire has been put out. If your fireplace has a safety screen or spark guard, utilize it to prevent hot embers or ashes from escaping.
Regular maintenance
Proper fireplace maintenance not only extends its lifespan but ensures safe and efficient usage. Before using your real fireplace each year, clean the firebox and make sure there isn’t buildup of ash or dust. If you have gas logs, clean them before use to remove any debris. Ensure the pilot light on your gas logs burns steadily with a blue flame while in use.
Annual inspections
Consider having your fireplace inspected by a professional, especially if it hasn’t been used in a few years. Since fireplaces are typically only used for a few months out of the year, debris or insects can find their way into the chimney during the off-season. To protect your chimney and home, ensure your chimney cap is intact and properly fitted and trim overhanging tree branches. For gas logs, inspections are equally as important to make sure all gas connections and valves are secure and free of leaks.
Keep flammable objects away
Keep flammable objects away from your fireplace; all it takes is a small spark to start a fire. Make sure drapes, curtains, or mantle decorations don’t hang too close to the fire. Avoid placing items near the fire or on the hearth, even just for a moment. Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping, especially if you have small children or pets near. Know where your home’s gas supply is located and learn how to turn it off in case of an emergency. Additionally, make sure everyone in your household understands the importance of being careful around the fireplace.
Install smoke detectors
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are essential for any home, but especially when a fireplace is used often. These devices can help provide early warnings of smoke or gas leaks, giving you time to respond before a situation becomes dangerous. Detection devices should be installed on every level of your home, particularly near cooking areas and bedrooms. Frequently test your devices and check the batteries.
Use quality firewood
Starting a fire for the first time can be daunting if you’re not familiar with the different types of firewood. Generally, locally sourced, seasoned wood is ideal for your indoor fireplace. Make sure the firewood is dry, since green or damp wood can produce more smoke and soot, increasing the risk of a chimney fire. Avoid burning cardboard, wrapping paper, or any other trash in your fireplace, as some materials can release harmful chemicals. It’s not recommended to store firewood close to your fireplace or home; instead, consider keeping it outside in a covered shed or barn to keep it dry. For details on where to buy quality firewood in your area, contact your local big-box stores or garden centers.
Never leave your fire unattended
Always extinguish your fire completely before going to bed or leaving the house. Ashes can take several days to completely cool, so never empty them into a trash can. Instead, place ashes in a metal container and store it outside, away from your home. Even though your indoor fireplace is enclosed, never leave it unattended, as small sparks can ignite nearby flammable materials and quickly lead to a disaster. Keep a fire extinguisher close to your fireplace to quickly address any unexpected fires. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to use a fire extinguisher safely.
Child and pet safety
Make sure your children and any young visitors understand how important it is to be careful around fire and remind them not to play with it. Use a safety screen to prevent children or pets getting too close. Keep fireplace tools like pokers and shovels out of children’s reach, as they can be dangerous. Even with safety measures in place, it’s important to keep a close eye on children and pets around any fire.
Does insurance cover fire damage?
In most cases, your homeowners insurance will cover fire damage, but it’s crucial to review your policy details to know the extent of your coverage. Most standard policies include coverage for your home’s structure and personal belongings damaged by fire, whether caused by an electrical issue, fireplace mishap, or another accidental cause. If your home becomes uninhabitable due to fire damage, your insurance may cover temporary living expenses while your home is being repaired.
To prevent the risk of fire damage, follow practical safety precautions and have your fireplace and chimney inspected annually.
While the warmth and comfort of your home is important, your safety should be top priority. Take the time to review your homeowners insurance to make sure you have the right amount of coverage for the winter. Contact your local Alfa® agent to learn more about property insurance coverages.
All coverages are subject to deductibles and policy limits. This is not an insurance policy. It is intended only to provide a general description of Alfa Insurance® and/or its product lines and services. An actual policy contains the specific details of the deductibles, coverages, conditions and exclusions. Your Alfa® agent can explain the policy and benefits and answer any questions you may have before you buy.