Fireplace Safety Tips To Consider This Holiday Season
Spending time relaxing by the fireplace with your family and friends is a favorite holiday pastime. To make the most of this special time, it is important to follow fireplace safety. Recommendations from national fire safety organizations like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) should not be ignored! On average, the amount of reported residential fires doubles on two of the biggest holidays of the year. In addition, the number of fire-related deaths, injuries, and property damage increases as well. As part of our warm holiday wishes, Chim Cheree, The Chimney Specialists is reminding you of a few holiday fireplace safety tips to follow.
Have your chimney professionally swept and inspected before the holiday rush.
What is one of the top educational missions of the CSIA when promoting fireplace safety awareness? Reminding homeowners across the country to schedule their annual professional chimney maintenance services before lighting the first fire of the year. For many of us in Upstate South Carolina, that occasion takes place during the holidays. This is typically the busiest time of the year for our neighbors – and for our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps too! That’s why you need to make an appointment with us before the seasonal rush gets started. You can trust us to remove all fire hazards, including creosote and flue blockages from your chimney. We also check for any other problem that could lead to a fire or other danger!
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detector alarms throughout your home.
Unfortunately, a few types of Christmas decorations are notorious for starting accidental fires. Even if you have made sure you have followed all of the precautions; keeping your tree, stockings, and other decor made from flammable materials at least three feet away from any heat source, accidents happen. These emergency alarms can be lifesaving if a fire ignites in the middle of the night. Also, if the invisible, odorless, and poisonous gas, carbon monoxide, leaks into your home. Make sure you have installed both smoke and carbon monoxide detector alarms on every level of your home, in the same room as your fireplace, and outside every bedroom. Don’t forget to check the batteries twice every year. A good time is when you adjust your clocks in the spring and fall. This ensures they will be working to protect you during the holidays as well as the rest of the year!
Chim Cheree, The Chimney Specialists wishes you and your family a wonderfully happy holiday season that is free from fire and other hazards relating to your chimney and fireplace system. Contact us for all of your professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation needs!