Everybody knows that adding a fireplace to any single-family rental home in China Spring is a good idea. However, fireplaces also pose some 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 fully appreciate your fireplace and stay safe altogether, it is important to follow a few reminders for fireplace safety rules.
The most common reason a fireplace causes a house fire is due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimney. Over time, wood-burning fires create 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 problems, such as 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. Both situations are absolutely hazardous for you and the home’s other occupants if any.
To avoid these and other problems, it is crucial to be aware of what are the several important steps that you should take. 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 lead to 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 crack bricks, melt 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.
Next, make sure to supervise the use of your fireplace carefully. For both gas and wood fireplaces, never leave the fireplace lit unsupervised. It is crucial to keep an updated fire extinguisher nearby and to make sure that you regularly change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. In the event that your fireplace has an operating manual, keep it in an accessible location for easy reference. Avoid coming too close to the fireplace while lit, and be sure to watch any pets carefully to avoid burns and accidents.
The last one should be you making sure to check with your property manager or landlord and see if the fireplace is being regularly inspected and cleaned. A quality property manager will have a fireplace serviced recurrently to guarantee that it is in good working condition and ventilating correctly. To stay safe, it is vital to know that pilot lights, valves, and sensors are working correctly and that you know how to run your fireplace correctly. In case your landlord gives you materials on fire safety, read through them carefully before attempting to use your fireplace. For tenants, sticking with proper fireplace safety is an important part of making sure that you and your belongings out of harm’s way.
Don’t want to do it on your own? Call us here at Real Property Management Apex now. It doesn’t matter if you own one rental home or several, our goal is to protect and maximize your real estate investment. Backed by over 30 years of nationwide experience, our team of China Spring property managers is here to help rental home owners maximize rental income while minimizing expenses and inefficiencies. Contact us online or give us a call at 254-732-1599 today.
Check out our other blogs regarding tenant safety:
- Does Your Bryan-College Station Property Need a Security System?
- How To Avoid 5 Common Household Hazards
- New Year’s Fireworks and Your Robinson Rental Property
- Tis the Season: Christmas Trees and Your Hewitt Rental Property
- Should You Allow Space Heaters in Your Caldwell Rental Property?
- Raising Questions about Reasonable Accommodations
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