As part of National Fire Prevention Week…
The fireplace industry is reminding homeowners that have a glass fronted gas fireplace that the glass can get very hot when the fireplace is on or even when cooling down and precautions should be taken.
If a family has young children, or visiting grandchildren, there are safety measures that should be taken to prevent burns from touching the glass.
- Attachable Safety Screens: Check with the fireplace manufacturer to see if the fireplace has a screen available that that attaches to front of the fireplace and covers the glass
- Fireplace Safety Gates: Like a baby gate, a fireplace gate around the fireplace will prevent young children from getting near the fireplace.
- Fireplace Screen: Similar to a screen in front of a wood-burning fireplace to prevent sparks, a fireplace screen in front of the glass of a gas fireplace will prevent little hands from touching the glass.
Homeowners are also reminded to always supervise children when a fireplace is burning – whether it is a gas, wood-burning or pellet-burning fireplace or stove. If the gas fireplace has a remote control, be sure to put it in a place where children can’t reach for it and, for extra precaution, put a screen or barrier around the fireplace.
Guest Blogger Leslie Wheeler is the director of communications at Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, an international nonprofit association that represents and promotes the interests of the hearth, patio, and barbecue products industries.