Things to Remember During Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week is October 5-11 and is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association. The theme this year is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
We can use this week to refresh our knowledge of fire safety and smart practices when working with fire. Dubuque Fireplace & Patio of Dubuque, IA, would like to share some tips for chimney and fireplace safety that will come in handy all year long.
Chimney inspections
Annual chimney inspections can spot early signs of problems before they become serious. A flue inspection will determine if there are breaks or cracks in your flue liner that could allow flames to escape and set fire to parts of your home.
Chimney inspections also gauge the level of flammable creosote inside the flue.
Chimney sweeping
The National Fire Protection Association, along with the Chimney Safety Institute of America and most other similar agencies in the U.S., recommends yearly chimney sweeping to remove creosote.
Creosote starts most of the reported fires in the Dubuque, IA, region every year. The substance forms when smoke condenses in the chimney, so you want to keep it at a minimum inside the flue and have it cleaned out regularly.
Reducing smoke
Because less smoke equals less creosote, it’s a smart idea to burn only dry firewood. Damp logs produce a lot of smoke, all of which will move into the flue and can turn into creosote.
Dry wood is less smoky and creates enjoyable and efficient fires.
Don’t use accelerants
A lot of smoke will be produced if you use lighter fluid, charcoal starter, or other accelerants to get fires going. When burned, these fluids also give off dangerous toxic gases that can spread throughout your home. Accelerants are never the way to start a fireplace fire. Use dry wood and matches. It’s easy and safe.
Be aware of problems
If you notice that your chimney or fireplace is acting “weird,” don’t wait for the problem to resolve itself. Rather, report it immediately to your chimney service company and get someone out to the house to investigate.
The problem might turn out to be minor. It also might turn out to be something major that could lead to a serious chimney fire or other catastrophe.
About the National Fire Protection Association
Begun in 1896 after a group of Boston insurance professionals developed a set of codes for fire sprinkler systems, the National Fire Protection Association has grown to cover the entire United States and help with many areas where fires need to be prevented.
Today, NFPA is a major producer of code standards that affect everything from electrical wiring systems to fireplaces and chimneys. Fire Prevention Week is one of the ways the organization spreads fire-safety education to both homeowners and businesses.
Call your Iowa chimney professionals
If it’s been more than a year since your chimney was cleaned and inspected, it’s time to call Dubuque Fireplace & Patio. Our field service team knows how to keep your fireplace and chimney working great and looking good.
You can speak with an Iowa fireplace professional by phone or get in touch by using our handy contact form.
