Fireplace Safety for Kids: How to Protect Your Little Ones
Nothing is more delightful than a hot fireplace on a cold, windy night. Even your pets agree, and unfortunately, also your curious toddler. Here's a short guide on how to make your fireplace safe from your little ones.
Understanding the Risks
Toddlers love to explore with their hands, and a fireplace is tempting, but... they are unaware of the potential dangers. As parents, we hold the key to their safety. It's our responsibility to anticipate and address any potential hazards.
Fireplaces pose the following dangers to our children:
- Burn hazards from hot surfaces and embers
- Fall hazard on a hard hearth
- Sharp fireplace tools
Prevention is Key
Now that you have identified the risks, it is time to implement a plan. This will include:
- Supervise your child whenever the fireplace is in use or still hot
- Talk to your child about fireplace safety early on
- Install smoke and CO detectors and test them regularly
- Have a fire extinguisher ready
Choosing the Right Baby Proofing Products
Here are some required items to childproof your fireplace:
- Fireplace Safety Gates: These large gates protect your little ones from the fireplace. You can also keep your fireplace tool set safely inside these gates.
- Fireplace Screens: These are not as large or as safe as a gate but still provide good protection.
- Hearth Guards/Padding: These are made of silicone or other fire-resistant materials.
Are Gas fireplaces inherently safer for children?
The answer is no. Even gas fireplaces get hot enough to burn! Use a safety gate or other measures.
Supervision is essential, no matter how well you baby-proof your fireplace.
Need more fireplace safety tips on how to baby proofing your fireplace? Visit your local friendly WE LOVE FIRE® expert. They have children and grandchildren of their own. They can steer you toward the best advice and products to protect your precious little ones.
