Nights are getting longer; school is starting again; and breezes are getting chillier. Yes, it’s definitely Fall time, which means families are going to start using their fireplaces and wood stoves again really soon. After all, over one-third of the U.S. use wood stoves or other fuel-fired appliances to warm their homes.
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the fire risks associated with using such appliances. According to fire protection services’ statistics, Fires from heating appliances account for about 36% of all residential home fires in rural areas each year. So before getting nice and toasty, though, there are a few things that need to be done. Here are a few Fall fire safety tips straight out of the fire protection handbook!
Get It Inspected by a Certified Professional.
Just as you’d have a professional service come and inspect your fire extinguishers or other fire protection equipment, you also should have a certified specialist inspect your wood stove.
Clean It Out and Fix It Up.
The fire protection handbook says that a wood stove should get cleaned out before it gets used. This means clearing debris away from the area around the hearth. It’d also be a good idea to make sure that there are passive fire protection materials on the walls around the store to ensure that the fire doesn’t spread too far or too fast if it ever does get out of control.
Burn Fuels Safely.
It’s very clear what the fire protection handbook says about using flammable liquids to start a fire: don’t. The only things that should ever be burned are seasoned pieces of hardwood. No cardboard, trash, or other debris. The fire protection handbook also says that logs should be placed at the rear of the stove so that nothing falls out when the grate is opened.
Heeding these tips from the fire protection handbook will not only ensure you have a safe Fall, but a warm one too. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. Helpful research also found here.
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