A beautiful, roaring fireplace is an attractive focal point for any home; however, it’s important to follow certain precautions so you can enjoy the warmth while making sure you and your family are safe. Brotherton Propane in West Plains, MO, knows the importance of fireplace safety and maintenance and offer their best tips for properly caring for your hearth.

The Top 5 Fireplace Safety Tips

1. Clear the Area

Most people don’t use their fireplace all year round, so when you want to turn yours on for the first time in a while, make sure the area is clear of any papers, children’s toys or other flammable items. Also, put any fireplace tools or matches out of reach in a safe place.

2. Educate Your Family 

Make sure that everyone in your house knows that the fireplace is not a toy and needs to be treated with caution and care. Instruct children to only go within a certain distance of the fire or install a screen or glass panel for especially young kids. Make sure older household members know how to turn the fireplace on and off in the event of an emergency.

3. Watch the Fire

Fireplaces should be used with caution and for short periods of time. Don’t use it as a furnace, and never leave it unattended. Someone in the house should be within eyeshot at all times, and the fire should not burn for more than five hours at a time. If your home is particularly cold, consider investing in a propane furnace as well.

4. Limit Smoke

If possible, crack a window open to allow good airflow and ventilation into your home. Excess smoke inhalation can cause asthmatic and upper respiratory symptoms. If there are no windows in the room with your fireplace, placing a small fan in the room can help circulate the air.

5. Get a Non-Flammable Mat

Putting a non-flammable mat in front of your fireplace can help you make sure that stray sparks don’t harm anyone or potentially burn your wooden floors or melt the carpet. These are often available at fireplace supply stores, but your propane professional may have a recommendation for a good brand.

Preventative measures, continued maintenance, and fireplace safety education are the keys for making sure that you can enjoy your hearth with peace of mind. Brotherton Propane is your local community gas expert. They even offer 24/7 emergency services, so you can rest assured your home, furnace, and fireplace are always safe in their hands. For more information on their available services, visit them online or call (417) 256-5067.