Fire is akin to passion; they can be good slaves, but very bad masters. Enjoying a cool summer night by the fire pit is certainly pleasant. But spare a thought to the family reunion gone all wrong due to a fire mishap. The repercussions could leave a scar for the rest of your life. As the old adage goes, Prevention is always better than cure. It’s best to follow a few thumb rules whenever you plan an evening besides the fire pit.
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It’s not with fire, but any other emergency-the mind often loses its potential to act or think quickly when in danger. Therefore, whenever you plan to light a fire, remember to have a plan, just in case-if there is an unwanted situation. It’s best to have a bucket of sand or a fire extinguisher nearby. Water can also be kept handy to protect yourself, but it’s better to avoid using it to douse a fire as it could damage the fire walls. The faster a fire is contained, the lesser is the damage.
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Remember to build a fire in a place that’s safe. The place should be clean and free from dry leaves and should not be surrounded by materials that are flammable like an overhanging tree and also avoid building a fire next to a washing line or fences. If you own a portable fire pit, make sure that the surface is fire proof.
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Always ensure that the fire pit is covered with a spark screen, which contains the embers that emanate from the fire. As said earlier the key to fire safety is to plan. If you know you aren’t going to be close to the fire place or you wouldn’t be staying in the home for long, it’s best to avoid building the fire. Never leave your fire unattended. Make sure that the fire is properly extinguished before you leave.
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If you have pets or children at home, you need to be extra careful, because children have a natural tendency to be inquisitive about fire.
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It’s best to avoid building a fire, if the weather is too windy. Also try to start a fire using lighter fluids. It’s best to use natural fire lighters as they start slowly.
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Take the time and effort to know the local rules and regulations regarding outdoor fires in your place.
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If you own an LP or natural gas fire pit make sure that you check for leaks every time before it is used. If you have a fire pit that needs wood as a fuel do not use chemically treated wood to start a fire.
And finally, it goes without saying that the best way to ensure safety is to ensure that it is maintained well. Remember, it’s better to be safe, than sorry!
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