Heating, cooking and candles all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter months. Most home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season. As the temperatures drop, it is important that you take the proper steps to make sure your family and home are protected from winter fire hazards.
We all know there really isn’t anything more cosier than relaxing around a bright, warm fire on a cold winter night. Many people love wood burning stoves for their ability to warm their houses without increasing their heating bills.
However, to continue enjoying the benefits of a wood burning stove you need to follow these fire safety tips to keep you and your family safe at all times.
Starting the fire
It’s important before lighting your stove, to ensure the damper is wide open to allow a good flow of air. In addition, never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, newspaper or any other highly flammable substances to start or rekindle a fire.
Consider buying seasoned kiln dried firewood for lighting your wood burning stove, as they produce more heat and prevent soot buildup. However, avoid burning too much wood at a time as this can cause creosote and tar to build up in your stove pipes and chimney, which can create a fire hazard.
Installation and Inspection
If you plan on buying a new stove, make sure it is installed by a professional. This will ensure the job is done right the first time, preventing accidental fires and unnecessary wastage of time and money.
It’s also important to ensure your stove is also inspected thoroughly at least once a year by a professional. Creosote buildup in the chimney and flue pipe is a common cause of fires in homes with wood burning stoves, so make sure you have your stove properly inspected before lighting it.
Spring is normally the best time to get your stove serviced since chimney sweeps and stove installers are less busy.
Prevent heat damage
Unlike fireplaces, burning stoves heat much larger areas and produce warmth from all sides. So installing a heat shield beside or behind your stove will help prevent the walls, curtains, carpet and even clothes you are wearing from being damaged by heat.
Ventilation
Carbon monoxide buildup and poisoning can happen if the surrounding area of your wood burner does not have the correct ventilation.
You can prevent this by maintaining proper ventilation in the area where your wood burner is located. It is also a good idea to place carbon monoxide detectors throughout the house to alert you when there is a buildup of this deadly gas.
Be responsible
Accidents occur more frequently under the influence of alcohol. Therefore, it is crucial that you use your common sense and avoid being around a fire when you are drinking. You should also never go to sleep or leave the house when the fire is still burning. It is also important to supervise small children if you have a fire burning.
We hope these tips will help you and your family keep safe while using your wood burning stove.
If you require softwood or hardwood logs for your wood burner, then you can purchase them through our website here. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
