The Real Estate Browser Volume 8, Issue 16 | Page 17

www.LynchburgRealEstateBrowser.com
Volume 8 Number 16 – Say you saw it in The Real Estate Browser of Lynchburg — 17
Fireplace Safety Tips for this Holiday
Season and Beyond
• Many holiday items and materials are
combustible, so place all gifts, trees, and holi-
day décor a safe distance from the fireplace
• Conduct annual maintenance on your fire-
place, chimney and associated elements.
• Outfit your gas fireplace with a safety
screens to prevent burns.
(StatePoint) Gathering around the hearth
this holiday season? While you may be taking
time off from work and school to celebrate,
don’t take a vacation from practicing basic
safety guidelines. Stay safe with the following
tips.
Safety Devices
Before using your fireplace or lighting can-
dles, check all of your home’s life-saving safety
devices, including carbon monoxide detectors
and smoke alarms for functionality, and to
ensure batteries are still working. You should
do this periodically, but especially around a
time of year with additional fire risks.
Fireplaces
A cozy, charming fire is the perfect place to
gather during the holidays. Heatilator, a leader
in fireplace safety and the number one fire-
place brand used by homebuilders, offers these
tips:
• Always monitor children and pets near
a lit fireplace or one that was recently turned
off. While safety screens are meant to protect
against contact with hot glass, remember that
the metal can also heat up, and your heating
equipment -- fireplaces, stoves, inserts and
their surrounding material -- will remain hot
for some time after use.
• For more fireplace safety tips, informa-
tion about safety screens -- including retrofit
screens for your gas fireplace -- and help find-
ing your local dealer for annual maintenance,
visit Heatilator.com.
Candles
Candles add warmth and splendor to holi-
day decor, but they come with certain risks.
Place these burning beauties in safe locations
away from fabrics, trees and other flammable
objects. Only burn candles in occupied rooms.
If you have children or pets, candle warmers
make for a safer alternative that can offer you
peace of mind.
For a happy holiday, take these steps to pri-
oritize safety.