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Crime & Safety

Don't Let Your Fireplace Bring Down Your Home

SafetySmart Lilburn tackles the issue of fireplace safety, as at least two recent home fires in Lilburn were caused this way.

Who doesn’t love to sit in front of a nice wood fire in their fireplace on a cold day? It is getting colder outside so keep your home safe. There are a few simple things you can do to prevent tragedies.

  1. Have your chimney checked by a professional chimney  cleaner at least once per year, making sure the chimney is not cracked, clear of debris and appropriately screened at the top to prevent embers from landing on the roof.
  2. Leave glass doors open on fireplaces when fire is burning.  Close them when the ash is totally cool.
  3. Close mesh screens when wood fires are burning.
  4. Never use gasoline  or other liquid flammables to start a fire inside your home.
  5. Place logs toward the back of the fireplace .
  6. Do not leave a fire unattended.
  7. Put cooled ashes in a metal container, put outside at least 30 feet from the house and douse with water.
  8. Make sure all decorations, candles and other flammables are cleared of the hearth area.
  9. Have smoke detectors which are tested and working on each floor and outside and inside sleeping areas.
  10. Practice fire drills. Everyone should have at least two escape routes.

Have a wonderful winter and stay warm, safely.

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