Fireplace Safety Tips For You And Your Valentine
Spending a warm and cozy evening enjoying hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries with your favorite beverage beside a fireplace with your Valentine is a romantic experience. But before you fall under the spell of the mesmerizing flames, here are a few essential fireplace safety tips for you and your Valentine.
Chimney Inspection & Cleaning
A clean chimney is a safe chimney. Chimney inspections and sweeping are vital to prevent chimney fires, flue obstructions, and masonry damage. Creosote, a highly flammable substance, builds up in the chimney as wood burns. Our Certified Chimney Sweep® removes these potentially dangerous deposits, reducing the fire risk and carbon monoxide poisoning. Ideally, have your chimney inspected and swept annually, especially before the peak fireplace season. Doing so will give you time to repair deficiencies in time for Valentine’s Day.
Keep It Clear
Maintain a safe zone around your fireplace. Keep furniture, rugs, and other combustible materials at least three feet from the hearth. This includes any decorations you might have on the mantle. A stray ember or spark can easily ignite nearby objects, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. Don’t forget to trim branches hanging over the roof or chimney.
Use Seasoned Firewood
Not all types of wood are suitable to burn in a fireplace. It’s best to avoid softwoods like pine or fir, as they tend to burn quickly and at higher temperatures, increasing the risk of sparks and chimney fires. Instead, choose seasoned hardwoods such as oak, maple, or cherry. These hardwoods have been dried for at least six months, so they burn more slowly and cleanly, producing less creosote buildup. They also release a pleasant fragrance, which your Valentine will surely enjoy.
Install Fireplace Doors
A fireplace screen and glass doors create a vital safety barrier. It helps prevent sparks and embers from leaping out of the fireplace and onto the rug, nearby pets, or even your Valentine. Your chimney sweep will be happy to help you select the best screen and doors for your fireplace.
Open the Damper
Before lighting your fire, ensure the damper is fully open. Opening the damper allows smoke and fumes to vent out of the chimney. A closed damper can cause dangerous back puffing, sending plumes of smoke into your home, which can be a hazardous and unpleasant experience.
Never Leave a Fire Unattended
Always supervise a live fire. It’s never a good idea to leave the room or go to sleep while a fire is burning. If you need to step away briefly, have another adult tend to the flames until you return or extinguish the fire completely.
Ash Disposal
Let the embers cool before disposing of them. Once cool, place the ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the container outside on a concrete surface at least three feet from the house.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby
Be prepared for emergencies. Keep a fire extinguisher readily available near your fireplace. Make sure you and your Valentine know how to use it properly.
Following these simple safety tips, you can ensure a romantic and safe Valentine’s Day celebration by the fireplace. Remember, a little preparation can go a long way in preventing a fire and keeping you and your sweetheart safe.
A Romantic Ambiance for Your Valentine
Set a romantic mood with scented candles, soft music, and comfortable throws. You can also prepare a special treat like dark chocolate fondue with a bowl of marshmallows.
- Toast a marshmallow on a skewer over the flame until slightly brown but not scorched.
- Dip the slightly toasted marshmallow into the fondue for a delectable experience.
- Be careful, it may be hot!
With some planning and these safety precautions, your fireplace can be the perfect spot for a cozy and unforgettable Valentine’s Day.
Certified Chimney Inspection – Southwestern Pennsylvania
Remember, a clean chimney is a safe chimney for your Valentine. For expert chimney cleaning and inspection services in southwestern Pennsylvania, contact Advance Chimney Sweeps. Our certified professionals serve the Greater Pittsburgh and Southern Alleghany Valley communities, including Emsworth, Oakmont, South Side Flats, and Whitehall. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.