Fireplaces and fires are a great way to bring warmth and cosiness to your home. But they also pose a significant risk to you and your family if not managed correctly.
Faulty wiring, candles, barbeques and even Christmas lights are all common ways for your home to catch fire. But chimney fires are one of the largest causes, and can occur for a number of reasons, including a build-up of tar and grease, and bird nests being built in flue liners.
The thought of a fire breaking out in your home can be scary, but luckily, chimney fires are very easy to detect. They’re usually very noisy and burn quite dramatically through the top of the chimney, so passers-by and neighbours can recognise one starting very quickly. But in order to avoid a chimney fire happening in the first place, there are a number of basic safety measures you should follow at home.
Install smoke alarms on each level of your home and check that they’re working regularly. A smoke detector can be a life-saving device when in full working order. Keep an eye out for flammable materials around your home, and ensure they’re kept well away from any open fires.
Keep your chimney well-maintained, with regular chimney sweepings and chimney inspections. Mark these events in your calendar so you can ensure you’re up to date.
To help you and your family prevent a chimney fire from breaking out in your home we have highlighted some of the biggest threats and some ways you can overcome them in our infographic below.
If you want to know more about keeping your home safe, learn more about home insurance.
