Wood stoves can be perfect for heating the home in the winter, but there are risks of fire damage. Accidental fires, as well as carbon monoxide poison, are two risks of using a wood stove inside your home. To minimize those risks, use the following tips.
Professional Installation of the Right Stove
Choose a stove that’s approved by a testing laboratory. Ensure the testing laboratory is nationally-recognized and make sure it’s put in by a professional so you know the stove is installed properly.
Choose the Right Position
Your wood stove should be placed at least a few feet away from flammable materials like walls, curtains, and furniture. Make sure you keep anything that can burn away from the stove when it’s in use.
Regular Inspections are Mandatory
Keep an eye out for any damage that can occur to the latches, gaskets, and hinges in your stove. At least once a year, you’ll also want to have a professional check and clean your chimney, flue vents, and stove.
Keep the Stove Clean
All ashes should be removed on a regular basis to prevent build-up. The ashes should be cooled completely then disposed of in a covered metal container. Make sure the container is kept outside and is at least 10 feet away from any buildings.
Choose the Right Wood
The wood you burn should be dry, seasoned wood. Use oak, hickory, beech or maple and never burn green wood. Do not burn cardboard or trash either as these can cause a build-up in your flue.
Avoid Starter Fluids
Starter fluids like gasoline, charcoal starter fluid, and other flammables cannot be used to start a fire in a wood stove. These substances are not safe to use because they can flare up or, in the worst case, explode.
Store Wood Properly
When you store wood to use, make sure it’s stored properly. Keep it in a dry place where it’s protected from the elements. This can be as simple as placing it in a shed or tarp. Make sure you keep the stored wood far from heat sources to reduce the risk of fires and subsequent fire damage in Springfield Missouri.
Always Provide Supervision
Children can be easily injured by a wood stove. Talk to them about staying at least a few feet from the wood stove to ensure they won’t be burned. Make sure they’re always supervised when the stove is in use and do not allow pets near the stove either to prevent injuries.
Smoke and CO Alarms are Needed
You need to have smoke and CO (carbon monoxide) alarms in your home. They should be outside of each bedroom and on each level of the come. They should also be connected so they all go off when one does. Test all of them at least monthly.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Close
Have a Class A fire extinguisher in cases there is a small fire. A portable extinguisher can help you put out the fire quickly.
Use these tips to keep safe from fires whenever you use a wood stove. If you do have smoke or fire in your home, call the professionals at PuroClean Certified Restoration for an estimate on fire restoration in Springfield Missouri.