Keep Fireplaces Safe This Holiday Season!

Thousand Oaks Ca, Keep fireplaces safe during the holidays!

In the cold winter months... yes, even in Southern California, a fire in the fireplace gives us a reason to stay inside and get cozy and comfy, but these fires can also pose safety risks, reduce lung function, aggravate heart and lung diseases and trigger asthma.

A recent article in the Thousand Oaks Ca Acorn gives some terrific tips for keeping those fireplaces safe:

1. Use a gas log. Never burn wood in a fireplace designed for a gas log.
2. If burning wood, use dry, seasoned wood.
3. Don't burn trash.
4. Clean the chimney. A dirty chimney full of creosote is a chimney fire waiting to happen.
5. Do not treat artificial logs the same as real logs.
6. Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other fuel to light or relight a fire-the vapors can explode.
7. Keep children away from the fire.
8. Never leave a fire unattended.
9. Have basic fire safety equipment on hand. Keep a type ABC fire extinguisher near the fireplace.
10. Be sure no flammable materials hang down from the mantel.
11. Never close the damper with hot ashes in the fireplace.
12. Make sure there is good ventilation.
13. Save the fireplace or wood stove for special occasions.
14. Be sure all ashes have cooled before disposing of them.

Have a safe and happy New Year's celebration!