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fireplaces are very popular because they provide heat and add to a home's decor. The fireplace can be considered the age-old heart of the homestead, as families and friends often gather around fireplaces for conversation and bonding. However, fireplaces are accountable for a large number of residential fires every year, and because fireplaces use open flames, they can be one of the biggest fire hazards in your home. If your home has a fireplace, keep these precautions in mind for safe fireplace operation:
-Keep a fire extinguisher handy and never leave a fire unattended. Never use charcoal in your fireplace, as doing so can produce deadly carbon monoxide, and do not use gasoline, kerosene, or lighter fluid to start a fire. Burn only seasoned, dry hardwood, and use long-stemmed matches.
-Enclosing a fireplace's opening with glass doors or a sturdy screen in order to protect against sparks. Also, never close the flue while a fire is still smoldering.
-Keep flammable objects such as holiday decorations, newspapers, carpets, drapes, and rugs away from the fireplace.
-Make sure your smoke detectors are working properly, as they can greatly increase the likelihood you'll survive a fire. Test smoke detectors monthly, and replace the batteries once a year.
-To prevent chimney fires, protect the top of your chimney with a guard that keeps out birds and small animals, and keeps in sparks that could ignite your roof.
-Plan and regularly conduct family fire drills.
If a fire does break out, get out of the house immediately and call the fire department at a neighbor's house or with your cellular phone. Unfortunately, fumes often overcome most victims long before flames reach them, and if you must escape smoke, get down and crawl low under the smoke, keeping your head about 12-24 inches off the floor.
For fireplace alternatives, try an electric fireplace heater such as the NewAir AH-510E. These types of heaters use electricity, and are often inexpensive to both purchase and operate, while at the same time, providing decorative warmth. No smoke is emitted and no ashes are dispersed, making electric fireplace heaters attractive, convenient, and safe.
