Simple Tips to Burn Your Fireplace Safely

There’s nothing like curling your toes in front of a toasty fire. While the flames are crackling and your toes are popping, take every precaution to keep your home from going up in smoke. Use your fireplace safely with these tips.

• Have your chimney inspected by a professional before you use it.
• Move all flammable materials away from the hearth.
• Use a metal screen to keep embers from escaping. Embers are hot enough to ignite carpets and other flammable items.
• Don’t restrict the air flow to the fireplace. Doing so can increase creosote buildup and may cause a chimney fire.
• Never use gasoline, lighter fluid or other flammable liquids to start a fire. Also, starting a fire with cardboard or newspaper is not recommended.
• Opt for seasoned hardwood instead of soft wood. Soft wood increases creosote buildup and raises the risk of a fire.
• Clean leaves, pine needles and twigs off the roof. Also, trim branches that are hanging over or near your chimney.
• Wait for the ashes to cool before disposing of them. Put the ashes in a metal container and douse them with water. Put a tight lid over the container and store it at least 10 feet away from the house.
• Put the fire out before you leave the house or go to bed.

In addition to the above tips install smoke detectors in your home and check them yearly. Also, get a good insurance policy to cover your home in case the unthinkable occurs.

If you’re one of the many homeowners in the Woodland, California area, contact Wraith Scarlett & Randolph to secure your family’s future with a quality insurance policy.