4 Important Fireplace Safety Tips

As temperatures drop, it’s only human nature to want to get warm. To warm up our 

homes, many of us light a fireplace and enjoy the winter comfort and ambiance. Still, fireplaces are the leading cause of home fires according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It is very important to implement fireplace safety techniques to protect you, your loved ones, and your home from winter dangers.

1. Get your Chimney Cleaned

A chimney sweep is not just the stuff of legend and Disney movies – they are real professionals who ensure that the inner lining of your chimney is not coated with combustibles. Many of the items we burn regularly in our fireplaces cause the slow and steady buildup of soot and creosote – a sticky, oil-like substance that is highly flammable. This once-a-year cleaning is highly recommended; it is still the best insurance against chimney fires that can spread to your roof and the roofs of your neighbor’s homes.

2. Burn Only Appropriate Wood Materials

When the fire is going and the room is toasty hot, it can be tempting to toss in small trash items and other odd bits that you might normally toss in the trash can. This can lead to a roof fire very quickly because it rises into the chimney and out into the cold night air – on flame.

What should you burn in your fireplace? Burn only seasoned wood, not green softwoods that produce creosote inside your chimney.

3. Learn Proper Fireplace Usage

Starting up your fireplace takes more than tossing in a log and lighting a match. There are certain factors that make a fireplace more or less dangerous to use, including:

·         Opening the flue and using spark guards to protect your floor from catching on fire

·         Clearing old ash and debris from the floor of the fireplace

·         Being patient with starting the fire (don’t use gas or other flammable liquids to ‘force’ a quick start)

4. Install Integrated Smoke, Fire, and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

An integrated home security system will include smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is a secret, undetectable gas that can kill your family. Hundreds die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning – often caused by their fireplaces. Integrated detectors will alert you if smoke is present – perhaps the fireplace flue wasn’t opened?

At GuardMe Security integrated home security system protects your home and your loved ones from the risk of fire, smoke, carbon monoxide gas and more – all in one integrated system. 

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3 Important Tips for Holiday Decoration Safety

The holiday season is a time of festival and lights. Many homeowners put up fantastic light displays, light their fireplaces, and drag natural trees inside the house. All of these holiday decorations bring a great deal of joy, but in some cases they create hazards that can cause significant damage if they get out of control.

To have a safe festive season, follow these tips to ensure holiday decoration safety.

1. Keep Natural Christmas Trees from Being a Fire Hazard

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that nearly 300 home fires are started every year by Christmas trees, leading to an average of $16 million in property damage every year. In at least 20% of these fires, the tree was too close to a heat source.

·         Start with a healthy, fresh tree if you’re buying a ‘real’ tree this year

·         Keep natural Christmas trees well watered – never let them dry out

·         Keep natural Christmas trees at least 5 feet away from any heat source

2. Put up Safe, Lighted Holiday Decorations

Holiday light decorations present another problem with home safety during the Christmas holiday season. To be sure your holiday light show is safe, follow these steps:

1.    Only buy lights that are tested and rated by the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL)

2.    Turn off lights before going to bed or when leaving the house

3.    Discard damaged or wet lights

4.    Keep lights away from flammable objects like paper decorations and ribbon

3. Install Home Security to Protect your Home

An integrated home security system can watch your home when you can’t, and alert you when smoke, fire, heat and electrical issues arise. Knowing there is a problem early means you can protect your home – your shelter for the holidays – from extensive damage or complete destruction.

At GuardMe Security, we believe that a home security system is an excellent gift for someone you love and care about. Once your home is protected, think about your elderly parents, siblings, and grown children who might enjoy the year-round peace of mind a home security system can deliver.

To discuss your home security needs and understand how a home security system protects your home, call the expert team at GuardMe Security: (800) 235-0644. Or click here to ask a question – we’ll help you understand what you need to do to protect your home during the holidays and all year long.

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