In Hollywood and across South Florida, homeowners may not choose to have a fireplace because it gets too cold, but fireplaces and wood stoves are still an option for homeowners who want to add light and an attractive feature to their homes. There’s few things as cozy as curling up in front of a stove or fireplace.
However, fireplaces and stoves, while beautiful, do pose a burn and fire hazard. To stay safe and cozy, you will want to:
1) Buy the right stove or fireplace.
Check models and manufacturers to find one with a good safety rating. Make sure you ask questions about safety and consider your purchase first.
Before you buy, you might also want to contact your home insurance provider. Installing a fireplace or stove can increase your insurance costs, so you will want to consider this before you make your purchase.
2) Have it fitted and installed correctly.
Look for a trained, certified, experienced, and insured professional to install and fit your fireplace and stove. The wrong person for the job could be creating a fire hazard in your home, so check qualifications carefully. Always ask to see credentials and check them yourself. Someone who is a professional will be happy and able to provide this proof to give you peace of mind.
3) Choose your location carefully.
Place your stove or fireplace far from any flammable materials. Breezy curtains and open flame do not mix. There should be good clearance for appliances, rugs, carpets, and anything else that can be damaged by heat.
You may also want to install your fireplace or stove into a room which is either centrally located or has a door that can lock. That way, you can always supervise the stove or fireplace, especially when children visit.
4) Create a maintenance system.
Chimneys need to be swept once a year and you need to call in a professional if any ventilation or fireplace issues arise. Find a good service you trust so you know who to call.
5) Always supervise fires.
Never leave a fireplace or stove unattended, especially if there are children or pets nearby. Never leave a fire going while you leave the house. Extinguish flames fully if you cannot watch the room.
6) Install a carbon monoxide detector.
The monitor should be in the same room as the fireplace or stove. An extra fire detector in your home and a fire extinguisher nearby are also smart precautions.
7) Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not overload the fireplace or stove beyond what the manufacturer allows and never use the fireplace or stove in any way it was not intended. Not only will it invalidate any warranty you have but it could also put you in danger.
Have you been injured by a faulty stove or fireplace? You may have a products liability claim in Hollywood or your community. To find out more, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. Our legal team has more than six decades of experience helping injured people just like you.