
Fireplace Safety
by Kim Filler
When purchasing a fireplace for your home you must consider every hazard associated,
so you can take all necessary measures in preventing fires or fire related injuries. Keep
in mind the precautions listed below in order to decrease the odds of any fire related
problems in your home:
Never:
- Never burn charcoal or use a hibachi in your fireplace because they both produce
deadly carbon monoxide.
- Never close the flue while a fire is still burning. Carbon monoxide could build up
and cause danger to those in the home.
- Never use gasoline, lighter fluid or kerosene to start a fire. The best choice for
starting a fire is using long-stemmed matches.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
Always:
- Always protect yourself and your family from fire-related injuries by enclosing the
fireplace opening with a glass door or a screen.
- Always have your fireplace checked by a professional at least once year.
- Always make sure flammable items such as newspapers or magazines are away
from the fire.
- Always teach children to stay away from fireplaces.
- Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.
- Always make sure there is at least one working smoke detector on every level of
your home.
Studies show that in 2003 someone died in a fire related accident about every 2 hours
and someone was injured, due to fire, every 29 minutes. Fire safety is very important
and should be taught to children at a very young age. The following is a list of fire safety
tips which you should teach your children when they are very little:
1. Stop, Drop and Roll – If you have not taught this to your children, you need to do it
now. A child needs to know the best way to react if they happen to catch on fire. They
must stop what they are doing right away, drop to the ground and then roll until the
flames have been smothered out. If there is only one thing you teach your children
about fires, let this be it.
2. Know the Emergency Numbers – If a fire was to break out in your house, would your
children know who to call? Always teach your children to know the number for the fire
department. Furthermore, have the number either on speed dial or on a piece of paper
near the phone. The number to call throughout the US is 911.
3. Using A Fire Extinguisher – Quickly give your children the 101 on how to use a fire
extinguisher. This could ultimately save your life as well as the lives or your children.
Alternative-Heating-Info.com