I hope to have a cozy fire going in the fireplace Monday night. That is when weather forecasters are saying our first cold front of the season will arrive here in San Antonio. All homeowners should have their heaters checked and maintained before using them. We have our HVAC system checked and maintained by Tiger Services twice a year website . If you have a fireplace and are planning on using it this season, please keep the following safety tips in mind.
- Have flues and chimneys inspected before each heating season.
- Open the fireplace damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. Never close the damper before going to bed if the ashes are still warm. An open damper will prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home. This is especially important to do while the family is sleeping.
- Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other fuel to light or relight a fire because the vapors can explode. Never keep flammable fuels or materials near a fire.
- Never store flammable liquids in your home. Never use charcoal in a fireplace because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Keep a screen or glass enclosure around a fireplace to prevent sparks or embers from igniting flammable materials.
Shirley good advice. I am surprised that Texas gets cold enough for a fire this early?
Hi Bill, It is Monday night and it isn't cold enough for a fire in the fireplace after all. Wah! Those silly weathermen (and weatherwomen).
Howdy Shirley
Very good info for folk's to read, and do.
Weather folk's are the only one's that get paid for being wrong 99% of the time. lol
They are calling for us to get some snow tomorrow night, up here.
Hi Shirley,
I think I am having problems with Active Rain too! Thank you for the tips. Good ones! I love this weather and I hope it just stays this way. (I know, wishful thinking here in San Antonio) I just feel a lot more energized when it's cooler!!!
And if you have a gas fireplace, make sure there's a safety clip on the damper.
Hi Russel, Thanks for that important tip.
Leti - I love this cold weather, too. Some people might call it cool weather. :-)
Great tips! I can't wait for it to get cold enough for the neighbors to strike up fires in their fireplaces. I just love the smell of winter.