Hosting for the holidays is always a major undertaking. Often, we have many more bodies, decorations and areas of the house to keep an eye on. So, it's important to take extra precautions when it comes to your holiday preparation. Trying to learn how to use your fireplace? Or maybe you're ready to pick out a tree? Either way, we've created a guide to cover everything you need for a fire-safe holiday and hopefully one less thing to stress about!
Using your indoor fireplace:
Whether you're using your fireplace for the first time or consistently, it's important to focus on creosote control, starting a healthy fire with an appropriate draft, and using the proper firewood.
The number one way to prevent a chimney fire is to have your chimney inspected and cleaned yearly. A CISA-Certified chimney sweep will check for dangerous creosote deposits, flue blockages, and other issues that could cause a chimney fire. Click here to find an expert in your area.
So, what is creosote?
"Creosote is a black or brown residue that builds up on the inside of your fireplace. It is corrosive and can damage the flue liner over time, but the real concern is the high flammability. If the temperature within the flue is right, the creosote inside could ignite and cause a chimney fire."
- Chimney Safety Institute of America
Proper firewood - and no you can't just burn the old fence in your backyard from this summer's project.
What should you NOT burn in your fireplace
While most wood will burn in a fireplace, the wood you choose makes a difference. You should always use hardwood rather than softwood. Not only is it important for building the best fires, but it also affects the health of your fireplace and environment. Recommended wood to burn in your fireplace includes:
Because hardwood burns more slowly and completely, it is less to clean up once the fire is out and less buildup on your chimney.
Starting a proper draft: Why is it important?
Hot air rises and cold air sinks, so hot air from a fire rises in the chimney, taking products from a fire like smoke and waste gases safely out of your home. The pulling effect of a chimney on a fireplace is known as a draft. The stronger the draft the more air can be pulled into the fireplace.
Building a fire with a draft:
1. Open your flue to allow air to flow through the chimney
2. Crack a window (yes, we know it's cold... hang with us for a minute) cracking the window will allow the fire to slowly build giving you more control.
3. Build your fire
4. Start twisting a single sheet of newspaper and light it while holding it high up in the fireplace.
5. Slowly light the kindling with the burning paper and place it gently underneath
6. Add firewood one or two pieces at a time - you don't want the fire getting too big
Now go enjoy your fireplace!
Updated Fire extinguishers:
"Most adults do not know how or when to use a fire extinguisher" according to the US Fire Administration USFA. Here are two easy steps to make a major difference in the safety of your home:
1. Make sure you have an up-to-date fire extinguisher and that it is easily accessible. Then you'll want to check the pressure gauge to make sure it is not flagging the pressure as too high or too low. Make sure you remove any dust, oil, or grease that might be on the outside of the extinguisher.
2. Learn how to actually use the fire extinguisher, the USFA recommends using the acronym:
Pass
Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly
Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side
Mice, rodents and all the stuff no one wants to think about...
Move over Santa - you're not the only one using the fireplace to get into this house. Homeowners often overlook the hidden dangers of electrical malfunction caused by rodents.
Just because you have never seen a mouse in your house doesn't mean you don't have them. When winter comes mice are in search of warmer conditions (aren't we all). Other than just being gross, mice are a major concern for electrical malfunctions and house fires. They are capable of chewing through an enormous variety of materials to gain access to shelter. Correcting rodent-related electrical problems is expensive but not dealing with them can be life-threatening.
What do we suggest?
Depending on your comfort level and the severity of your situation you can attempt to handle this situation yourself or hire a professional. If you hire a professional, they not only get rid of the mice, but, can also help you find the nest and fill their areas of entry. If you are looking to take the DIY route, you'll need to find their point of entry, then, head to your local hardware store and buy inexpensive $1 single-use mouse traps. Most mice won't use a trap that has already caught a mouse... which is good news for you because instead of emptying the trap, you can discard it along with the mouse. You will then need to find their points of entry and hire a professional to fix any chewed or frayed wiring.
Ok, now onto holiday décor and Christmas trees!
Christmas trees
Tips for real trees:
Tips for artificial trees:
Holiday lights:
Candles:
Many families enjoy using candles during the holidays but there are also extra bodies and excitement that can cause distractions and therefore added danger if you aren't careful. Here are a few tips to help:
Celebrating safely:
While things like fireplaces, Christmas trees, and holiday lights can be a source of risk, basic maintenance and simple precautions go a long way toward ensuring a safe and joyful holiday. By taking care of your home and keeping fire prevention in the back of your mind, you can keep everyone focused on the right things: enjoying each other's company and arguing about which movie to watch!
Have a happy holiday from your friends at RBN!