Keep Your Fireplace Safe This Winter!

During those unbearable cold winter nights, what could be more appealing than enjoying a cup of hot cocoa and relaxing by the fireplace? Of course, the hot cocoa won’t hurt you (as long as you don’t spill!), but you definitely need to be careful with the fireplace.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas each year. Thanks to Smokey the Bear, we all know we can prevent forest fires and the same applies to home fires.

To help your family stay safe this winter, the personal injury attorneys of Hupy and Abraham, S.C. have put together a list of fireplace safety tips.

  • Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year
  • Use paper and kindling to start a fire, NOT lighter fluid, kerosene or gasoline
  • Ignite small fires
  • Burn seasoned wood only; green wood can cause chimney fires
  • Place a screen over the fireplace
  • Keep a fire extinguisher handy

In addition to practicing good fireplace safety, it’s important to regularly test your smoke alarms. Both precautions could prevent expensive property damage and even save lives.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a fire caused by someone else’s negligence, contact the personal injury attorneys of Hupy and Abraham, S.C. immediately.

Jill Erin Wellskopf
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Director of Marketing, Hupy and Abraham