Deck the Halls, Not Your Fireplace!

Deck the halls with boughs of holly…you know the rest. Decorating for the holidays can be fun, especially when you get the entire family involved. Turning your living spaces into a winter wonderland worthy of a full-page spread in your favorite magazine is a truly magical experience. While the previously mentioned carol is known by heart and sung by carolers all over, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind. Here is why you should deck the halls, not your fireplace this year!

First things first, avoid unnecessary safety hazards.

It’s tempting to go all out and create a decor design that even Santa himself would be jealous of. But too many decorations, especially too close to your fire can be a recipe for disaster.

For example, we know it’s a tradition to hang your stockings on the mantle. Instead, we’d encourage you to find a new place. Any decor you choose to place near your fireplace should be no closer than 3 feet to it. This is a safety tip that may seem like we side with the Grinch. The reality is we want you to avoid unnecessary safety hazards as you enjoy the holiday season.

Be sure to enjoy the fire safely.

At Dubuque Fireplace & Patio, we believe a cozy fire is the epitome of the holiday spirit. However, safety is of the utmost importance, especially when you have kids and pets. To keep everyone protected, there are a few things you can do.

First, add a protective screen to the front of your fireplace to create a barrier between the fire and curious little fingers. Next, remind children and guests to keep a safe distance. And finally, always be on guard while enjoying a fire with your family. Never leave it unattended, an unwatched fire can quickly begin to burn out of control.

Wood choice matters.

Only burn seasoned firewood in your fireplace.

What do we mean by seasoned? It’s cut wood that has been left to dry for at least 6 months. Green wood (also referred to as freshly cut wood) can produce excessive amounts of smoke and other unhealthy air pollutants.

This would be a good time to mention the right choice of kindling as well. It might be tempting to toss your leftover gift wrap into the fireplace after opening presents on Christmas morning. We want to caution against this as well, however! The dye and chemicals used in making wrapping paper will be released into the air when burning, getting into your lungs.

To enjoy a fire safely this season, only burn seasoned wood and safe kindling.

Decking the halls, but not your fireplace

Let’s loop back to the carol we started singing at the beginning of this blog. ’Tis the season to be jolly!

From our family to yours, we want your holidays to be full of wonderful time with family and friends as you embrace the magic and excitement that come with the holidays.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your chimney inspected, then now more than ever it’s time to ensure your fireplace is safe and ready for all of your holiday festivities. Contact Dubuque Fireplace & Patio at 563-582-5156 or visit our website to get on our schedule here.