A functional fireplace is an extremely sought-after feature in any home. Regardless of the climate, a fireplace can provide a special coziness and warmth for everyone to enjoy. However, it's important to practice fireplace safety habits and keep up with maintenance. Here are some basic tips for safely enjoying your fireplace at home:
Chimney sweeping should be left to the professionals, but you can still minimize some soot buildup yourself. The easiest way to do so is to only burn seasoned hardwood or manufactured logs as they burn cleaner than other types of firewood. After each fire, clean out the firebox by scooping dry ashes and toss them in a metal container.
It's important to burn only wood or manufactured logs in your fireplace. Other things like paper can be great kindling material to build a fire, but it can also fly up and out when burned in large amounts. Any paper with a glossy finish like photographs or magazine pages can release toxic fumes when they burn too. Stick to clean, simple fuel for the safest fire.
One often forgotten safety tip is to open a window when you light a fire. Not only will this help your fire burn efficiently, it will allow more oxygen into the room for easier breathing. A fire burns oxygen as well as wood, so the more you can add back into the environment, the safer it will be.
Be careful not to position furnishings or belongings too close to your fireplace. Even with a grate or glass door, fireplaces can put out tremendous heat, causing damage and possible fire risk. Embers can spark and fly out of your fireplace but won't cause any harm unless they fall onto something flammable. Keep area rugs, furniture and decor at a safe distance to have the safest possible fire.
Originally from Statesville, NC I grew up vacationing in the Myrtle Beach area and have been blessed to call it home for the last 21 years. An alumni of Appalachian State University, I have been a Realtor for 11-years in the Grand Strand area, and am licensed in both South and North Carolina. I hold several distinguished Realtor designations, including ARB, MRP, SRES, RSPS, SFR, and XCL. I love being involved in the Coastal Carolina Association of Realtors, having served on the Young Professionals Network committee, the Community Outreach committee, and am a 2022 graduate of Leadership CCAR. As a proud member of the Women's Council of Realtors Grand Strand, I had a role as the events committee chair for 2023 and now hold the current position as the 2024 WCR events director. I have also contributed as a board member for the last 9 years for the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach and currently serve as treasurer. In my spare time, I love traveling, shopping, and spending time with her family, friends, and 3 cats.
