Thanksgiving Safety: Fireplace Dos & Don’ts for a Warm, Safe Holiday

Halloween is over, but the two biggest holidays of the year are right around the corner. That means plenty of family gatherings, cozy evenings, festive decor, and plenty of delicious food. Many homeowners rely on their fireplaces to keep them and their guests warm and to create a cozy atmosphere. If you’re one of these homeowners, there are things you must and mustn’t do to use your fireplace safely and prevent accidents. Here’s our list of dos and don’ts for fireplace safety.

Do: Schedule a Professional Inspection Before Using the Fireplace

Depending on where you live, your fireplace has sat idle during the spring and summer and much of the fall. Chimneys accumulate creosote, debris, and animal nests, which can cause performance and safety issues. Before making that first fire of the season, call a professional chimney sweep to thoroughly clean and inspect. These professionals check for cracks, blockages, and other issues that could lead to fire hazards.

Don’t: Use Your Fireplace Without Checking for Drafts

One fireplace safety checks many people overlook is forgetting to check for proper airflow. Always ensure the flue is open and unobstructed before starting a fire. Blocked or closed flues can cause smoke and dangerous gases to enter the house. Test the airflow by lighting a piece of paper and watching the smoke; if it rises into the chimney, the draft is likely clear.

Do: Keep Flammable Items Away from the Fireplace

It’s common for people to decorate around the fireplace with garlands, stockings, and other items. While these make your home more festive looking, they can pose a serious fire hazard if placed too close to the flames. You should also be mindful about furniture, presents, books, toys, and other objects getting too close to the fire.

Don’t: Use the Fireplace to Dispose of Wrapping Paper or Trash

We get it; it’s tempting to throw post-holiday trash into the fireplace, but here’s why you must resist the urge. Wrapping paper, boxes, and plastic items can produce toxic fumes and embers that could flick out of the fire and into the house, creating a fire hazard. The only thing you should ever burn in the fireplace is seasoned firewood, like oak or maple, because they burn cleaner and are safer. Avoid pine or softwoods because they create more smoke, leading to creosote buildup, which could potentially cause a chimney fire.

Do: Use a Fireplace Screen

Fireplace screens are a no-brainer, especially during the holidays when so many people, including young children, are gathered around the fireplace. Screens keep things from getting into the fire and things from getting out, like embers or sparks. Make sure to use a screen that fully covers the fireplace opening, and if you have very young children or pets, consider making a barrier around the fireplace to keep everyone at a safe distance.

Don’t: Leave a Fire Unattended

It’s too easy to get distracted during the holidays with everything that needs doing or getting too full of holiday cheer where you go to bed forgetting to put out the fire. Set a reminder on your phone or do whatever you need to do to remind yourself to extinguish the fire before bedtime. Whether you use sand, water, or a fire extinguisher, make sure all embers are fully doused to protect your family against a flare-up or lingering fumes that could be disastrous.

Do: Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. And they can be especially tragic when dealing with a fireplace. Keeping a fire extinguisher close by and ensuring everyone knows how to use it can prevent the joyful holidays from becoming a nightmare. Additionally, make sure all your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working because statistics show these devices save lives and will provide you with peace of mind.

Don’t: Overload the Fireplace

It’s tempting to make a huge, roaring fire to heat up the room and for the spectacle but resist this. Fires that are too big or hot can create excess smoke, leading to faster creosote buildup and potentially structural damage to the chimney. Start with a small fire, and gradually add more logs if you need them, keeping the fire safe and manageable.

Do: Teach Children About Fireplace Safety

Many kids are naturally fascinated by fire, but it’s essential to teach them how dangerous it can be and to never play near the fireplace. Setting up a physical barrier and explaining the dangers of a fireplace can prevent accidental burns or injuries.

Call Advanced Chimney today to schedule your pre-season chimney cleaning and inspection to ensure a safe and memorable holiday season.