PLUMBING ELECTRIC
GAS
HEATING
WATER
FILTRATION
AIR
CONDITIONING
FIREPLACE SAFETY
DURING THE
HOLIDAY SEASON
737461-1 Gatherings
(516)882-3665
with family
and friends
are an integral
component of the
holiday season.
Certain rooms in
the house are on
display more than
others, with kitchens, dining rooms and living
areas serving as popular places to congregate. Of
course, fi replaces also serve as popular gathering
spots in homes that feature them.
Lighting a fi re in the hearth can make any space
more cozy, but doing so comes with some hazards.
Consider these fi replace safety tips in advance of
the holiday entertaining season.
• Have the fi replace inspected and swept professionally.
Prior to lighting the fi rst fi re of the season,
ensure that a professional inspects the fi replace,
chimney and venting to ensure everything is in
good condition. The chimney also should be swept
to remove excess debris and buildup that could pose
a fi re hazard.
• Keep items away from the fi replace. Wrapping
paper, rugs, clothing, magazines, and the like
should be kept at least three feet away from the
fl ames, suggests the American Red Cross. Also,
make sure decorations are hung securely and a safe
distance away from the fi re.
• Check your smoke alarms. Be sure the home has
working smoke alarms on every level of the house.
And keep a fi re extinguisher close to the fi replace.
• Never burn wrapping paper. Wrapping paper
contains additives, like dyes, that make it burn extremely
hot. Do not think of discarding wrapping
paper by burning it in the fi replace.
• Keep the tree a safe distance away. Although
it makes for the perfect Christmas photo backdrop,
Christmas trees and fi replaces should not be near
each other. Also, the Christmas tree is not safe to
burn in the fi replace after the season, as the wood
has not been properly dried or seasoned.
• Use a screen on the fi replace. Make sure the fi replace
is properly covered by a screen to stop embers
from escaping when the wood pops and sparks. The
screen also can help keep decorations and other objects
from falling into the fi re.
• Keep the fi replace clean. Promptly remove any
ash and debris from the fi replace after it has cooled
to improve indoor air quality and provide greater
control over the next fi re when it is burned, advises
the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Fireplaces bring warmth and add ambiance to a
home, particularly during the holidays. But safety
must prevail when lighting fi replaces.
Town Crier- December 14, 2023 Find Us Online at PennysaverPlus.com ! 311 East Meadow - Pg 17