Far too many accidents occur during the holiday season, a time that should be set aside to rejoice and celebrate. Setting up holiday lights and other decorations is a task responsible for a number of burns, shocks, and falls, but perhaps an even bigger risk to your well-being is when something goes wrong in the fireplace. Prevent fireplace hazards with our list of safety tips, and have a happy holiday season—from all of us here at 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc.!
- Consider the placement of your tree. Hundreds of fires each year begin with a burning Christmas tree. Be sure that yours is placed at least 3 feet away from the fireplace!
- Don’t keep small décor too close to the fireplace. “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care” is actually a fairly careless Keeping items like stockings, presents, ribbon, and other décor too close to your fireplace is dangerous, and we strongly recommend that you move these elsewhere, at least while the fireplace is in use.
- Only put seasoned firewood in your fireplace. It’s tempting to chuck the wrapping paper into the fireplace once you unwrap your gift, but this could result in a flash fire as some highly combustible materials can ignite too quickly. You should only burn seasoned firewood in your wood fireplace, and nothing else, including the branches of your Christmas tree.
- Schedule a cleaning and inspection. If you have not done so already, it’s time to schedule your annual chimney cleaning and inspection. A chimney inspection may reveal some problems that could allow flames to spread to your entire home. If not, clearing the chimney of creosote and debris helps to prevent chimney fires and give you confidence when using your fireplace this season.
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. offers chimney cleaning and inspections in St. Paul, MN. Call us today! 612.922.9600 or 1-888-PIXLEYS