Do not play with fire. This is a very stern warning your parents would give you whenever they see you playing with candles, matches, and papers. This is a logical warning though because fire is a very unpredictable element. News about houses and buildings burning down is enough proof about the ferocity of this element. Nonetheless, this does not meant that fire is completely dangerous and should not be utilized. In fact, fire is an essential element especially when it comes to providing heat. If not for fire, there would be no “fireplaces for sale” sign on store windows.
Fireplaces are common heating fixtures in homes located in areas where there is winter. During winter, the temperatures are often freezing, and humans cannot survive in freezing temperatures this is why they have fireplaces and heaters in their homes to keep them warm. During the Yuletide season, the most common scenario is to gather around the fireplace and sip hot chocolate. Although, there are already safer options to fireplaces, some people would still prefer a fireplace wherein you need wood as a fuel.
Burning wood will need fire. Therefore, if you have this kind of fireplace, here are some safety tips that might come in handy.
· Before using your fireplace, make sure to have your chimney cleaned first. Sweeping the chimney will help remove soot, debris, and anything that stuck inside. This should be done at least once a year and usually before winter or at the start of the winter season.
· Along with cleaning the chimney, it should be inspected for damage as well. Missing bricks should be replaced. Cracks should be covered and liners should be replaced when possible. Keeping the chimney in perfect condition will help ensure safety because there is proper ventilation every time you use the fireplace.
· To keep anything from falling into your fireplace, a chimney cap must be installed. This also keeps the birds away and prevents debris from blocking your chimney. Damaged chimney caps should be replaced too.
· The by-product of combustion is known as creosote. This is often produced when you burn resinous softwoods or greenwoods like pine. To reduce the formation of this by product, you must burn seasoned hardwood instead. Oak is one fine example of a seasoned hardwood. Moreover, the wood to be burned should be split and stored in a dry place for at least half a year.
· Avoid creating a big fire in your fireplace. A big fire is often the result of putting too much wood into the fireplace. Small fires are preferable because it does not generate a lot of smoke. Moreover, with less smoke, less creosote will be made.
· To start a fire, avoid using flammable liquids because this can be easily splashed around. As an alternative, use kindling.
· Fireplace doors can help protect your home from shooting embers. These doors can be made from glass or metal.
· A fire extinguisher should be placed in close proximity to your fireplace. In case of emergency, you can easily grab it and put out the fire before it becomes uncontrollable.