Safety Tips for the Holidays

The holidays will be here before you know it, and that means firing up the fireplace for cozy get-togethers and good times. However, while the fireplace may not be the reason you celebrate the holidays, it can be the reason your gatherings go wrong if you don’t take safety seriously. Before lighting that first fire of the season, it’s essential to take precautions to keep your home, family, and guests safe. Here are our tips to keep your fireplace and chimney in good condition for the happiest of holidays.

Schedule a Chimney Inspection and Cleaning

The first, and most important, step in fireplace safety is getting your chimney inspected by a certified professional every year before winter. Over time, creosote (a byproduct of burning wood) accumulates in the chimney walls. Creosote is highly flammable, and too much can ignite and start a deadly chimney fire.

A professional chimney sweep can remove creosote buildup, check for blockages (like bird nests or debris), and inspect the chimney’s structure for cracks or loose bricks. Even if you only use your fireplace occasionally, an annual inspection ensures everything is safe and ready for use.

Use Dry, Seasoned Wood

If you burn wood logs, ensure they are properly seasoned, meaning they have been dried for at least six months to a year. Wet or green wood produces more smoke and creosote, resulting in faster chimney buildup and less efficient burning.

Don’t burn treated or painted wood, cardboard, wrapping paper, or trash. Remember, your fireplace isn’t a garbage disposal. These materials can release toxic fumes and send embers or sparks up the flue. Stick to hardwoods like oak, maple, or birch for a clean, safe burn.

Keep Flammable Items at a Safe Distance

During the holidays, it’s easy to get carried away with decorating your mantel with stockings, garland, and candles. Anything flammable, however, should be kept at least three feet away from the fireplace.

This includes Christmas trees, furniture, gifts, and other items that could be stacked nearby. Decorative materials, such as paper, fabric, and plastic, can ignite quickly from a stray ember or a hot log that rolls out of the fireplace. Consider using flame-retardant materials if you decorate close to the hearth.

Always Use a Fireplace Screen Door

This is a no-brainer. A sturdy metal or glass fireplace screen prevents sparks and embers from escaping into the room, protecting the surrounding area. It also works as a barrier to keep kids and pets from getting too close to the fire. Screens are inexpensive, so there’s no good reason not to have one.

If you have a glass door system, keep the doors open when the fire’s burning to ensure proper airflow, but close them once the flames have died down to prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney.

Don’t Leave the Fireplace Unattended

You might not think it’s a big deal to step out for a few minutes, maybe to run to the store down the road or pick up the kids, but an unsupervised fire can spread quickly if something goes wrong, and now you’re spending your holidays dealing with insurance adjustors. Always extinguish the fire completely before leaving the house or going to bed.

When putting out the fire, spread out the embers and ashes with a fireplace poker, then cover them with a thin layer of ash or sand to smother any remaining hot spots. Don’t use water to douse the fire because it can create steam explosions and crack the fireplace masonry.

Dispose of Ashes Safely

Even if ashes look cool, they can retain heat for several days. Always use a metal container with a tight-fitting lid to store ashes, and place it on a non-combustible surface, never on a wooden deck or near any flammable materials. Once the ashes are completely cold, you can dispose of them in your regular trash or use them in the garden as a natural fertilizer.

Use Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Every home with a fireplace needs smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed on every level, especially near sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.

A poorly vented or blocked chimney can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate, which is an odorless gas that can be deadly. Detectors provide early warning signs to help you stay safe.

Be Careful With Candles and Fire Starters

Candles can add to the festive mood, but they’re another common cause of holiday fires. Establish a “kids-free zone” of at least three feet around the fireplace, and use safety gates if necessary. Educate children about the dangers of fire and ensure they know to stay a safe distance away.

End the Season with a Clean Chimney

After the holidays, when you’re done using the fireplace for the season, have your chimney inspected again. A chimney sweep will ensure that any buildup from the winter months is gone and your system is ready for next year.

Call Advanced Chimney Sweep and Get Your Chimney Ready for the Holidays

We’re a family-owned business that’s proudly served residents in Georgia and South Carolina for over two decades. Call us today to schedule your appointment.