Fireplace Safety Tips
Wood-Burning Fireplace Safety Tips
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on an annual basis.
• Keep the area around the fireplace free from combustible materials. Place a guard or screen in front of the area, to protect children and pets.
• Make sure your fireplace’s damper is open before starting a fire so it can vent properly.
• When starting a fire never use flammable liquids. Only use a match or firelighter.
• Test the function of your fireplace by lighting small pieces of wood to make sure the smoke is exiting vertically from your fireplace. If smoke enters the room, you need to investigate why.
• Only burn dry, seasoned firewood. Lumber, painted or treated wood releases chemicals into your home, compromising air quality. Wet wood can increase creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires.
• Never leave an active fireplace unattended. Always fully extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
• A fireplace is not a garbage bin and is designed to only burn firewood.
Gas Fireplace Safety Tips
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on an annual basis.
• Do not move or alter the arrangement of logs in your gas fireplace. You could cover vents which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• The glass front can reach dangerously high temperatures. Place a guard or screen in front of the area, to prevent burns.
• Do not place objects near the air-circulating passageways or fans. Do not put combustible materials near the hot surfaces.
• Unusual odors or flames can indicate it is not operating properly, and you should contact a certified technician to investigate it. Do not use the fireplace until you have it checked.
• If you notice the pilot light or flames go out while it is turned on, wait five minutes or longer before relighting it. This will provide time to clear the fireplace of gas.
• Do not clean the glass of the fireplace while in use and make sure it has completely cooled down to prevent breakage. Do not use the fireplace if the glass is cracked or broken.
Always be diligent when operating a fireplace, in the event of a fire, call 911.