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Fireplace Safety Tips for Quincy Tenants

Warm and Cozy Fireplace in the Center of a Modern Living RoomA fireplace can be a preferred element in every single-family rental home in Quincy. On the other hand, fireplaces could also result in a few 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 appreciate your fireplace and stay safe simultaneously, it is consequential to conform to some principal fireplace safety rules.

The most common reason a fireplace causes a house fire is due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimney. In the end, wood-burning fires forge 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. Other predicaments 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, and obstructed chimney could cause dangerous fumes to vent into the home. Either condition is really unsafe for you or the home’s several occupants if any.

To avoid these and other problems, there are several important steps that you must acquire. 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, scorching enough to split bricks, vanish metal, and catch your roof, siding, and cover burning. Correct use of your fireplace is one of the best ways to avoid such dangers.

Therefore, remember to supervise the use of your fireplace carefully. For both gas and wood fireplaces, never leave the fireplace lit unsupervised. It is pivotal to have 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 has an operating manual, keep it in an accessible location for easy reference. Do not come too close to the fireplace when it’s lit and see to it that you monitor any pets prudently to avoid scorches and misadventures.

Conclusively, you must check with your property manager or landlord to witness if the fireplace is being regularly inspected and cleaned. A desirable property manager will have a fireplace kept in good condition consistently to make sure that it is in good working condition and ventilating correctly. To keep secure, it is precarious to realize that pilot lights, valves, and sensors are working correctly and that you know how to manage your fireplace correctly. If your landlord gives you materials on fire safety, read through them carefully before attempting to use your fireplace. For tenants, abiding by reasonable fireplace safety is a beneficial piece of getting you and your properties out of harm’s way.

 

Sick of performing it yourself? Why not give Real Property Management Associates a call? It doesn’t matter if you own a single rental home or more than a few, our purpose is to protect and maximize your real estate investment. Strengthened by over 30 years of nationwide experience, our group of Quincy property managers is here to guide rental homeowners to maximize rental income while minimizing expenses and inefficiencies. Contact us online or give us a call at 508-509-4485 today.

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