Chimney Safety Tips for Using Your Fireplace This Holiday Season
Ho, ho, ho! As jolly ole Saint Nick approaches Southern Pennsylvania, many residents are dreaming of festive crackling fires and cozy nights by the hearth on a White Christmas morning. But before you light the first yule log of the holiday season, remember – chimney safety is paramount! Here are some essential tips for using your fireplace during the holiday season:
Make Santa Happy with a Clean Flue
Think of your chimney as the expressway down Candy Cane Lane. Just like a clogged highway can stop traffic, a chimney blocked by creosote, soot, and debris restricts the draft, increasing the risk of fire and exposure to deadly carbon monoxide gas. Creosote, a tar-like substance produced by burning wood, builds up in your chimney flue with every log burned. This highly flammable material can ignite and cause a chimney fire. That’s why local fire departments and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend having your chimney inspected and swept at least once a year. Professional chimney sweeping is even more crucial if you haven’t used your fireplace in a while.
Fire-Safe Holiday Decorations
While holiday mantel decorations, such as Christmas stockings, that many Pennsylvanians hang above their fireplaces create a festive atmosphere, fire safety is essential. Stockings, garlands, and other flammable materials should be kept at least three feet from any heat source. Excessive heat can cause some decorations to combust, turning a joyful scene into a frightening fire.
Burn Seasoned Firewood
Fireplaces are safer when burning seasoned firewood. Seasoned hardwood burns cleaner, creating less creosote buildup, smoke, and pollution. Avoid using artificial logs, plastic, or other materials that can release toxic fumes in a wood-burning fireplace. Various premium wood species are readily available in Allentown and throughout Pennsylvania.
Install Fireplace Screen
A fireplace screen is your first line of defense against flying embers in your home. Sparks can easily escape an open firebox and land on flammable materials in the room, such as area rugs, your pet’s fur, or even a child’s pajamas. Additionally, ensure everyone enjoys the flames from the hearth at least three feet from the fireplace.
The Importance of Proper Ventilation
Before lighting your fireplace, make sure the damper (the metal plate that controls airflow) is completely open. This allows smoke and harmful gases to vent out through the chimney. Don’t attempt to light a fire with the damper closed. It can create a dangerous backdraft, leading to smoke and carbon monoxide buildup in your home. A potentially hazardous and unhealthy situation.
Never Leave a Fire Unattended
Always keep an eye on a hot fireplace, especially if children or pets are nearby. Use appropriate fireplace tools to manage the fire. Remember, even a small fire can quickly get out of control if left unattended. Extinguish the flames completely when leaving your house or going to bed. After extinguishing the fire, close the damper to prevent heat loss and reignition.
Dispose Ashes Safely
When the fireplace is extinguished, ashes can remain warm for several hours. When the fireplace is cool for at least 24-48 hours, dispose of the ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and place it outdoors on a non-combustible surface, away from your home and any flammable materials.
Have a Fire Extinguisher Handy
A sudden downdraft or a stray ember can unexpectedly start a fire. A fire extinguisher near your fireplace can help put out a small fire before it turns into a major blaze. If you cannot extinguish the fire safely, evacuate everyone from the house and call 911.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Save Lives
Most chimney fires happen during the night when everyone is asleep. So, it’s vital to have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms installed on every level of your home, as they can provide your family with critical warning time to escape during an emergency. Be sure to test these devices regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Contact Wells & Sons for Expert Chimney Inspections
Ensure you have a clean and safe chimney before Santa arrives. If you reside in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Metropolitan Area, Wells & Sons is your trusted provider of chimney and fireplace services. With over 45 years of experience, we offer various services, including inspections, cleaning, repairs, and installations. Wells & Sons is committed to providing high-quality workmanship and exceptional customer service. As a family-owned and locally operated business, we proudly serve homeowners in Hanover PA, Hershey PA, Lancaster PA, Pottsville PA, and the surrounding Lehigh Valley region. Contact us online to book your appointment today.
