How to Keep Kids Safe Around the Fireplace

A fireplace is a must-have for many homeowners. For many people, there is nothing better on a cold day than sitting around a fireplace with a crackling fire. Yet, for families with young kids, fireplaces are safety hazards. However, there are many things you can do to help keep kids safe around a fireplace. Read on to learn how to keep kids safe around the fireplace.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Put candles (unlit) into the fireplace, a vase with flowers and a tall knickknack or simply block it off with furniture.

2. Consider installing a closed, gas fire into your fireplace. These fireplaces are completely closed off, usually by a heat-resistant glass. They may be safer than open fireplaces and can be turned off and on with a click of a switch. However, they do become extremely hot, so you will want to protect little hands from touching any glass or metal around the fireplace.

3. Keep your children away from the fireplace. Consider making that room a child-free room using gates. On the other hand, consider putting safety barriers such as a hearth gate around the fireplace. Hearth gates are easy to purchase (check Amazon) and often come in a variety of sizes to ensure it fits around your fireplace.

4. Remove fireplace tools. These can become toys to many children, and can cause injury.

5. Supervise your child at all times if you've started a fire. Take your child with you if you have to leave the room. Keep everything you need with you, including food, drinks and the phone to reduce the chance that you'd have to leave the room with the fire lit.

Resources

• Go to WebMD for More Safety Tips.
• Go to the Fireplace Lowdown Website for More Information.