A fireplace can be an anticipated charm in every single-family rental home in East Rockaway. Nevertheless, fireplaces also cause several unique risks to renters. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireplaces are the leading cause of home fires in the U.S., causing nearly 500 deaths and over $1 billion in property damage every year. To cherish your fireplace and stay safe as well, you must follow the significant fireplace safety rules.
The most common reason a fireplace causes a house fire is because of creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimney. After some time, wood-burning fires constitute a thick layer of soot and ash, called creosote, on the inside of the chimney walls. If not properly cleaned, this material can ignite, causing significant damage to the property and threatening the safety of everyone in the home. Added troubles like dead leaves, bird nests, or falling bricks can block the airflow in the chimney and cause sparks to fly out into the room, possibly igniting rugs, nearby décor, or furniture. In the case of gas fireplaces, an obstructed chimney could cause dangerous fumes to vent into the home. Such a situation is unsafe for you and the home’s other residents as well.
To avoid these and other problems, there are several important steps that you should discern. First, use only the recommended types of fuel for your fireplace. For wood-burning fireplaces, that is dried and well-seasoned wood free of any chemicals or accelerants. For gas or electric fireplaces, never put anything in the flames. This can cause showers of sparks and hot ash capable of starting the house on fire. Chimney fires can become as hot as 2000°F, hot enough to destroy bricks, dissolve metal, and catch your attic, siding, and roof on fire. Correct use of your fireplace is one of the best ways to avoid such dangers.
Afterward, make certain to supervise the use of your fireplace carefully. For both gas and wood fireplaces, never leave the fireplace lit unsupervised. It is crucial to store an updated fire extinguisher nearby and to make sure that you regularly change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If your fireplace possesses an operating manual, keep it in an accessible location for easy reference. Make sure not to come too close to the fireplace while illuminated and be sure to monitor any pets attentively to prevent injuries and casualties.
Then, you must check with your property manager or landlord to determine if the fireplace is being regularly inspected and cleaned. A good property manager will have a fireplace maintained periodically to guarantee that it is in good working condition and ventilating correctly. To remain protected, it is necessary to verify that pilot lights, valves, and sensors are working correctly and that you know how to control your fireplace correctly. If your landlord gives you materials on fire safety, read through them carefully before attempting to use your fireplace. For tenants, following conventional fireplace safety is a relevant unit of getting you and your possessions out of harm’s way.
Drained from performing it yourself? Why not give Real Property Management Innovation a call? It doesn’t matter if you possess one rental home or numerous homes, our goal is to protect and maximize your real estate investment. Reinforced by over 30 years of nationwide experience, our group of East Rockaway property managers is here to aid rental homeowners to maximize rental income while minimizing expenses and inefficiencies. Contact us online or give us a call at 516-570-9275 today.
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