{"id":2454,"date":"2017-03-20T11:00:08","date_gmt":"2017-03-20T16:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.2ndgenerationchimneys.com\/blog\/?p=2454"},"modified":"2017-03-17T17:59:16","modified_gmt":"2017-03-17T22:59:16","slug":"10-tips-fireplace-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.2ndgenerationchimneys.com\/blog\/chimney\/10-tips-fireplace-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips for Fireplace Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"coffee-fireplace-woman\"Safety is our number one priority. At 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc., our technicians are trained to use safety measures put in place by the Chimney Safety Institute of America<\/a>. We encourage all homeowners to use safe practices anytime a fireplace and chimney is in use, but we know it\u2019s tempting to simply want to start a fire and forget about it.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why we\u2019re here to offer some reminders and, hopefully, some new information to keep your home safe. By all means, use your fireplace this season, but follow these safety tips to ensure a healthy home.<\/p>\n

#1: Only Use Seasoned (Dry) Firewood<\/h2>\n

You should only burn firewood that has been left to dry for 6-12 months. Use discretion when purchasing wood from retailers and using it right away; unseasoned wood can allow for the buildup of creosote in your chimney that could lead to fires. You can season wood for 6 months yourself by evenly stacking wood outside, covering with a tarp or shelter but leaving air holes on the side.<\/p>\n

#2: Don\u2019t Burn Anything That\u2019s Not Firewood<\/h2>\n

We know a lot of people throw paper, construction scraps, and other items into their fires, but we warn against this. These items can have chemicals that make them unsafe to breathe in your home, and they may allow for further creosote buildup in the chimney due to excess moisture.<\/p>\n

#3: Keep Flammable Items Away from Fireplace<\/h2>\n

Hanging holiday decorations above the fireplace can be dangerous. We recommend keeping anything flammable away from the fireplace, at least while you are using it.<\/p>\n

#4: Get a Chimney Cap<\/h2>\n

When rain or snow get into the chimney, the resulting moisture can damage the chimney structure, creating a fire hazard. It\u2019s another way for flammable tarlike creosote to build in the chimney flue as well. Have a chimney technician install a chimney cap to keep creosote out, and keep little critters out of the chimney as well!<\/p>\n

#5: Never Leave a Fire Unattended<\/h2>\n

Whatever you do, don\u2019t leave your fireplace unattended or fall asleep while you are using it. This can be a major safety hazard.<\/p>\n

#6: Test Smoke Detectors<\/h2>\n

You must have working smoke detectors throughout the home, especially near rooms where people sleep. Test smoke alarms by holding down the button and listening for the beep. Here\u2019s a general timeline of smoke detector maintenance:<\/p>\n