The Real Estate Browser Volume 7, Issue 16 | Page 52

www.LynchburgRealEstateBrowser.com Volume 7 Number 16 – Say you saw it in The Real Estate Browser of Lynchburg — 53 Fireplaces Nothing beats the charm and warmth of a fireplace, particularly around the holidays when the family is gathered together. Heatilator, a leader in fireplace safety and the number one fireplace brand used by homebuilders, began including safety screens as standard equipment more than a decade before rules required the use of this equipment in new fireplace installations. As a pioneer in the field of fireplace safety, they offer these tips: • Ensure gas fireplaces are outfitted with safety screens. Check out Heatilator, which offers retrofit safety screens. • Never leave children or pets unattended near a lit fireplace or one that was recently turned off. Safety screens are meant to protect against contact with hot glass, but remember that the metal can also heat up, and your heating equipment -- fireplaces, stoves, inserts and their surrounding material -- will remain hot for some time after use. • Consider annual maintenance for both wood-burning and gas fireplaces, as recommended by experts. • Learn more by visiting heatilator. com for additional fireplace safety tips and to learn about safety screens. Candles Candles can be a feast for the senses, but they are also a major cause of accidents and house fires, especially when your home is decked out with extra combustible décor. Don’t burn candles near curtains, trees and other flammable objects. Never leave candles unattended. Ensure all flames are extinguished before leaving a room and before going to sleep. If you have pets or children, make sure any open flames are well out of their reach and consider alternatives such as candle warmers. The greatest holiday gift you can give this season is the gift of safety. While decking the halls, take steps to make your home safer, too. PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Steve Herder - Shutterstock • Ensure gifts, trees, and holiday décor are all placed a safe distance away from the fireplace. Click on the Listing for photo tours and additional information for each property.