Now that fall is upon us, it’s important to revisit some of those safety considerations that must be taken into account as cold weather hits. If you reside in an apartment or a home with a fireplace, then the safety tips on hand from a new report are worth your time.
It’s important to take precautions before you light a fire this year. There are certain hazards that may have popped up since last winter, and a chimney needs to be in proper condition in order to avoid a blaze or a buildup of carbon monoxide.
With that in mind, think about having a qualified chimney sweep see to your residence and point out and correct any issues. If you’re confident in your own ability to do the same, then be sure to look out for anything that may have blocked the flue. Verify that exterior guards are in place to keep animals out, and clear out any excess creosote.
When you’re actually ready to light the fire, use sufficiently dry wood and engage the metal grate in front of the fireplace so that sparks can’t emanate into your household. To further prevent disaster, keep flammable items a safe distance away.
Finally, have smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher ready to go just in case all the precautions above still can’t prevent a fire from breaking out.