A fireplace is a great feature to have in your home. It creates a warm and cozy ambiance and provides an excellent source of heat during cold weather.

However, having a fireplace in your home comes with some risks, especially if you have infants in your household. Infants are more vulnerable to fire-related injuries because they are not yet aware of the danger that fire poses. In this article, we provide some fireplace safety tips for families with infants to help keep your little ones safe.

1. Keep Flammable Objects Away from the Fireplace

Infants are naturally curious and tend to explore their surroundings. It is therefore important to keep flammable objects such as curtains, Christmas trees, and other decorations away from the fireplace.

These objects can catch fire easily and pose a significant risk to your infant’s safety. Keep everything at least three feet away from the fireplace.

2. Use a Fireplace Screen

A fireplace screen is a must-have accessory for any fireplace, especially if you have infants in your home. A fireplace screen acts as a protective barrier between the fire and your infant, preventing accidental burns.

Ensure the screen sits flat against your fireplace’s brickwork and cannot be easily pushed over or dislodged by your infant.

3. Install Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are an essential safety feature in every home. Ensure that your home has functioning smoke detectors installed and that the batteries are replaced regularly.

Additionally, make sure the detectors are interlinked, so if one goes off, they all do, and everyone in the house is alerted.

4. Don’t Leave Your Infant Unattended Near the Fireplace

Never leave your infant alone in the room with a lit fireplace. Infants are naturally curious and can easily crawl or walk towards the fireplace, putting themselves in danger.

Always have an adult present when the fireplace is in use and keep an eye on your infant.

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5. Use Caution When Storing Firewood

Store firewood in a safe location, away from your infant’s reach. A pile of firewood can be tempting for infants to explore and climb on, leading to potential accidents.

Always keep the firewood in a secure location, preferably a storage shed or outdoor storage bin.

6. Use Only Safe Fire Starters

When starting a fire, use only approved fire starters that are safe around infants. Avoid using any accelerants that can quickly ignite, causing a sudden burst of flames or smoke.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using fire starters.

7. Don’t Overload the Fireplace with Wood

Avoid overloading the fireplace with wood. Overcrowding the fireplace can cause a fire to ignite and potentially spread to areas beyond the fireplace. Follow the recommended guidelines when loading your fireplace with firewood.

8. Cool Embers Before Disposal

Cool embers before disposing of them. The embers can stay hot for hours after the fire has been put out and pose a fire risk if not disposed of safely. You can cool the embers by sprinkling water on them or placing them in a metal container with a lid.

9. Schedule Yearly Inspections

Ensure your fireplace undergoes yearly inspections by a certified professional. Schedule an annual inspection with a professional to guarantee your fireplace’s safety, check for and repair any potential fire hazards.

10. Close the Damper When Not in Use

Always close the damper when the fireplace is not in use. Keeping the damper open can cause drafts, making your home colder, and increasing the risk of a fire spreading to areas beyond the fireplace.

Always close the damper to prevent drafts and maximize the efficiency of your fire’s heat.