Fire Safety in Regards to Fire Pits/ Fire Places
Fire places and outdoor fire pits can be the source of many wonderful family memories, but tragedy can occur should the need for fire safety not be taken into account. Any exposed fire can lead to serious injury or spark a larger fire that can destroy homes and lives.
Families should insure that both fire pits and fire places have been installed by professional contractors, and are up to all relevant codes. Older fire places and fire pits should be inspected for cracks, blockages in the chimney, or improper fire grate construction. Most importantly, fire places and fire pits should be placed away from flammable materials such as curtains or carpets. Interior fire places should have a proper screen installed to insure that sparks do not fly out into the house itself.
In both cases, adequate ventilation is an absolute necessity. Fire places should always have a clear flue, which is checked regularly to prevent blockages resulting from ash accumulations or bird nests. Portable fire pits must never be used in any enclosed space. Failure to take these safety measures can lead to the accumulation of deadly carbon monoxide gas.
During the operation of a fire place or fire pit, only proper materials should be used, such as wood or fire logs. Never introduce an accelerant like gasoline to start a fire, since the fumes can explode and cause serious injury or death. Never allow children to try and start a fire save under parental supervision. Avoid over filling the fire place or the fire pit with fuel. A roaring fire can often lead to showers of sparks that can start fires elsewhere.
Children should be closely supervised around a fire. Horseplay or roughhousing should never be tolerated, especially around an open fire pit. Family activities such as toasting marshmallows or hot dogs should be done only with close adult supervision.
Fire extinguishers should always be situated near a fire place or fire pit, and all family members should know how to use them. In case of a mishap, the family should also immediately call the local fire department.
When the time comes to put the fire out, make certain the fire is fully extinguished before leaving it unattended. For outdoor fire pits, it is wise to use a hose to insure that the fire is fully extinguished. Do not dispose of hot ashes or coals in the trash or leave them to cool off on their own, as this can cause a fire should they reignite.
Adhering to these simple and common sense safety measures can insure that your fire place or fire pit gives you only good memories, and is never the cause of a family tragedy.
My name is Nisha Sharma, I represent a site called APLClothing.co.uk. I love to write about home and work safety and give advice and tips. Feel free to visit our site for more information about workwear.
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