URGENT!
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The warmth, togetherness, and festivity that fall and winter usher tend to spill over into your home decorations. Decking out your space for different seasons and holidays can become a cherished tradition, and the fireplace, stove, and hearth often takes center stage because it’s a natural focal point – and because it plays a role in holiday lore!
While decorating the fireplace can bring extra joy to the season, it’s crucial that home safety remains an ultimate priority.
So… is it safe to decorate your fireplace or stove? Yes – as long as certain considerations remain at the forefront.
Questions? We’re here for you. Call or reach out online now.
A good place to start in safely decorating your fireplace is knowing the three foot rule. All combustible decorations should be placed a minimum of three feet away from the fireplace or stove. This rule applies to objects of all kinds – furniture, rugs, curtains, baskets, and other decorative items.
The mantel is an attractive option for decorating, but needs to be given special attention due to its proximity to the fireplace.
What to avoid?
Christmas trees are one of the most iconic holiday decorations. To safely enjoy your Christmas tree, be sure to maintain the three foot rule – keep the tree three feet away from the fireplace, stoves, and other heating sources.
In addition, make sure the tree is stable, and if you have a real tree keep it well watered all season. The dry heat in our homes dries live trees out fast, making them prime fuel for a fuel. A hydrated real tree or flame-resistant artificial tree will both be less combustible should an accident happen.
✓ Invest in a screen.
Fireplace screens can serve both decorative and safety functions. How so? They prevent sparks and embers from making an escape, while adding an aesthetic touch to your fireplace.
✓ Purchase smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Home safety must-haves also include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which serve to help you respond quickly in an emergency situation. Be sure that they’re in place with fresh batteries, and test them regularly. Keeping an ABC fire extinguisher near at hand and keeping your whole family well-versed in fire safety will also help ensure a safe holiday season.
✓ Use appropriate fireplace fuel.
Remember to fuel your fires properly. Whatever your fuel source is, other fuel types and non-fuel items should never make their way into your stove or firebox. Bits of packaging or discarded wrapping paper can contain toxins that can be released by burning, or may burn unpredictably.
✓ Book annual chimney inspections.
Be sure that you adhere to the recommended annual chimney inspection. Over time, combustible creosote can build up in your chimney flue, and wear and deterioration can make your chimney components less reliable and unsafe. A chimney that’s swept and in good working order will simply do its job better – venting smoke and gases safely away from your living space so you can enjoy your fireplace or wood stove with ease.
The health and safety of your home and family is a top priority for us. That’s why our CSIA-certified technicians take great care with every job we take on. If you have questions about fireplace safety or are in need of an inspection or fireplace facelift to get your hearth holiday-ready, let us know! We’re happy to serve.