Outdoor Firepit Pit Safety Tips

As Old Man Winter slowly rolls in, more and more families are firing up their outdoor fireplace pits to add warmth to the outdoors. While there’s something sogroup of friends roasting marshmallows on the patio after learning how to seamlessly transition to a winter oasis soothing about ending your day with the open flame glow, you can also take a few precautions to stay safer as you gather. Be sure to keep these safety tips in mind each time you fire up your outdoor fire feature.

Look Up

Prior to starting your fire, glance upwards. Are there tree branches that are hanging down? Or is there ample room for the heat to move upward without the risk of catching a tree or structure on fire? 

Check the Wind Direction

Sparks can spread embers to your home or nearby trees in windy weather. If it’s windy, we recommend having a spark screen in place to help keep the fire contained. Not only can these mesh screens prevent flying embers from spreading, but they can also keep children or pets safer from falling into the fire.

Be Aware of Blankets and Loose Clothing

If you’re cozying up in a blanket or wearing a shawl to keep your neck and shoulders warmer, it’s easy to have some extra fabric drape down and catch fire. Removing blankets or scarves as you tend to the fire can help avoid accidents. 

Keep a Working Hose or Fire Extinguisher Nearby

Having a way to extinguish the fire within reach is a must. Ensure your friends or family know where the working hose or fire extinguishers are nearby. Likewise, if you have a propane pit, ensure everyone knows where the shutoff valves are located so they can be shut off immediately in an emergency.

Never Leave the Fire Unattended

No matter how contained your fire might seem, it’s risky to leave it unattended. Be sure a responsible adult is always nearby the fire while it’s burning. 

Other Winter Topics

Looking for more ways to enjoy your outdoor space this winter? Get a few tasty drink recipes.  

Previous
Previous

7 Questions to Ask When Selecting a Home Improvement Contractor

Next
Next

The 4 Questions to Ask When Planning Your Deck or Patio Project in Severna Park or Towson.