Before You Go Burning Your House Down…

The storms they are a brewin!!!  Snow is fast approaching and nothing feels better than watching the snowfall from inside by your cozy fireplace.  As great as it sounds to score some insurance bucks and renovate your home, I’m sure that burning it down isn’t the way you want to go about it.  Here’s some friendly reminders on how to properly use that fireplace of yours.

1. Have your chimney cleaned and serviced on a regular basis.  Don’t climb on the roof and dump a bucket of water down there, call a pro.

2. (This one is for my sister) Make sure the damper is open before you light the fire, and don’t close it until the ashes are cool to the touch.

3. Keep flammable materials such as wood and paper a safe distance from the fireplace.

4. Use a fireplace screen to protect children, pets, and your carpet from hot embers.

5. Supervise children at all times around fireplaces.

6. Use a small amount of dry, well-seasoned firewood. NEVER overload. This isn’t a bonfire boys, keep the flames low and steady.  If you use artificial logs, follow the instructions on the package.

7. Never leave the house or go to sleep with a fire burning.

8. Shouldn’t have to say this but never use gasoline or lighter fluid close to or in your fireplace.

9. Place ashes in a metal container and take them outdoors.  Don’t be lazy, scoop that out.  If you don’t have a fancy fireplace set, get some of those thousands of pieces of mismatched Tupperware and use it for something.

10. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and remember that proper ventilation is key to keeping your fireplace safe.

In addition to following the above safety tips for your fireplace, you should have backup plans in place in the event something goes wrong. In addition to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, consider investing in fire extinguishers and possibly a sprinkler system. They can make your home safer and often earn you discounts on your home insurance premiums.  Who doesn’t want to save more money on that insurance cost right?

If you have any questions at all about your home, buying a home, or selling a home, feel free to email me at anytime!  amiller@kwottawa.ca