3 Major Tips for Fireplace Safety

Chimney Specialist Inc. is happy to partner with the National Fire Protection Association in the celebration of Fire Prevention Week. A whole week dedicated to topics and strategies that, when implemented, can save lives.

A growing concern is the rise in fires caused by lithium batteries. Did you know that Lithium batteries are responsible for over 1500 house fires per year? Lithium batteries are found in tablets, Bluetooth headphones, digital cameras, smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches. Basically, they are all around us. We don’t often think about the power our devices run on, but this ignorance can lead us to danger.

Lithium batteries aren’t the only fire hazard in your home. Fireplaces account for about 30% of home heating fires. How can you protect your family from these two dangers? Let’s explore both topics, beginning with fireplaces. It is important to learn how to operate your fireplace safely and properly maintain it. This can be the difference between enjoyment and disaster. Here are three tips to increase your home safety while using your fireplace.

Inspect Your Chimney Once a Year

Calling your local chimney sweep for an inspection may seem inconvenient, but there is no way to get around it. There are many danger signs that a professional chimney sweep can spot, like blockages, buildup, a cracked flue, or water damage. How can anyone keep their family safe if they don’t know what the dangers are?

Use the Proper Wood

The type of wood burned in a fireplace can make a difference in its performance and air quality. Unseasoned wood or greenwood contains moisture that causes smoke and creosote buildup. This can be harmful to your chimney, and this greasy residue can even catch fire. Painted wood, drifted wood, pine wood, and others can all produce smoke and toxins that are dangerous to breathe. Only use hardwoods or seasoned woods to avoid toxins being released into the air.

Watch Your Fire

Leaving a fire unattended is always a bad idea. Even if you are just going away for 5 minutes, an unexpected delay could give your fire just enough time to get out of hand. Consider using fireplace screens and move everything 3 feet away from your fire. Remember, it’s best to extinguish your fire before going to bed or leaving the house.

These are 3 simple steps to help keep your family safe while using your fireplace, but we know that fires of any kind can be deadly. Take precautions with your chimney, but pay attention to all burn hazards, including lithium batteries.

Tips to Properly Handle and Dispose of Lithium Batteries

• Be sure to charge lithium batteries properly. Only use the charging cables that come with that specific device.

• Never place a lithium device under a pillow or blanket while it is being charged.

• Practice unplugging a device and removing the plug when it is fully charged.

• When getting rid of a device or battery, take it to a recycling center rather than just throwing it in the trash.

Please take time to identify your devices with lithium batteries. Are you taking the right precautions? Where is the nearest recycling center? Remind your family of these tips so they can be safe as well.

If you have any other questions about how to care for your chimney or fire prevention, please contact the professionals at Chimney Specialists Inc.