Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Fireplace Safety and Children

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With cold weather across the nation since the holidays, many people will be using their fireplaces. There are a few safety tips that need to be followed (although some are obvious), especially if you have young children in the house.

Have the fireplace and chimney inspected by a professional annually. Even if it’s not time for a cleaning, there could be animal nests or other blockages that will prevent smoke from escaping. Always have a fireplace inspected before use in a new home.

You should always clean out the ashes from previous fires. The ashes should never be more than an inch. Heavy ash buildup will restrict airflow to the fire and cause more smoke. Use a grate. It’s also best to use smaller logs, these will burn faster and produce less smoke.

To prevent heat loss in the house, use glass screens and keep them closed. You will still get the same heat benefits.

Teach the young ones that the glass is hot and they should never touch it! There are safety screens available to keep the kids away. In any event, always teach children to have a healthy respect for fire. Never leave a fire unattended or a child alone near the fireplace. Make sure fires are completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.

Keep flammable materials like blankets and newspapers well away from the fireplace as materials do not have to be in direct contact to ignite. Make sure drapes and furniture are also at a safe distance.

Always check that the damper or flue is fully open before starting a fire. Don’t simply trust the lever; look up the chimney with a mirror or flashlight.  As embers can still produce smoke, keep it open until the embers are completely out. This will help to draw the smoke up and out of the house.

Use wood that is well aged, dry, and cut specifically for fireplace burning. Don’t use green or wet wood. This generates more smoke and leaves more soot behind. Don’t burn cardboard or gift wrapping, as these can give off dangerous chemicals.

Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are in working order. The new detectors are so easy and user friendly now. Simply plug in a combo smoke/monoxide detector and you’re ready to go. Keep a nearby window cracked while the fireplace is in use.

A fireplace is so cozy and curling up near one is wonderful in the fall and winter. Just make sure yours is in tip-top working order and your children are safe.

KATHY WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO