Fire Safety

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​Many Canadian homes are equipped with a gas or wood-burning fireplace. With the weather taking a dive into colder temperatures, people with wood-burning fireplaces are stocking up on wood or relighting the pilot light on their gas fireplaces to stay warm and cozy throughout the winter. With an increased use of fireplaces, there is also an increased chance of a fire, which can lead to devastating losses if you are not mindful of fire safety in your home.
 
Wood-burning Fireplace Safety Tips
 
Here are some basic safety tips for your wood-burning fireplace:
 

• Keep the area around your fireplace free from décor and other combustible materials.
• Place a guard or screen in front of the area to help keep children and pets from potentially getting burned.
• Make sure your fireplace’s damper is open before starting a fire so it can vent properly.
• When starting a fire never use flammable liquids. Only use a match or firelighter to get a spark.
• Only burn dry, seasoned firewood. Lumber, painted wood, or treated wood, releases chemicals into your home. This can compromise air quality. Wet wood can increase creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires.
• Extinguish fireplaces before going to bed, leaving a room or the house.

 
Gas Fireplace Safety Tips
 
Here are some basic safety tips for your gas fireplace:
 

• Gas fireplaces can produce carbon monoxide. A home should have a carbon monoxide detector on each level.
• Do not move or alter the arrangements of logs in your gas fireplace. You could potentially cover up vents which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• The glass front of a gas fireplace can reach dangerously high temperatures. Children can suffer serious burns from touching these glass fronts. Do not use the fireplace if the glass is cracked or broken. It is recommended placing a safety screen or protective barrier to prevent contact with the glass front.
• If you notice the pilot light or flames go out while it is turned on, wait five minutes or longer before relighting it. This will provide time to clear the fireplace of gas.
• Unusual odors or flames can indicate that it is not operating properly, and you should contact a certified technician to investigate it. Do not use the fireplace until you have it checked.

 
Other precautions to reduce your risk:
 

• Check your fire extinguisher(s) pressure annually and be aware of the expiry date.
• Test all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on an annual basis.
• Create a fire safety escape plan and practice it with family members.

Experts recommend you have your gas or wood-burning fireplace inspected and tested annually by a local certified professional. They can determine the current integrity of your fireplace and determine whether there are any potential hazards or malfunctions that need to be addressed.
 
Remember to notify your insurance advisor if you have installed or upgraded your gas or wood-burning fireplace, as this could have an impact on your insurance coverage. Always ensure that you keep your home insurance policy up to date.
 
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To learn more and for your free, no-obligation quote, contact us today:
 
Call 1.833.998.3798, email, or visit us  <https://www.brokerlink.ca/amba>
 
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