I am being compensated for hosting this twitter party. All my opinions are my own and not swayed by outside sources.
I am hosting a #FirePlaceMomTalk Twitter Party February 10th from 3-4 PM EST. To prepare for this very awesome twitter party, here are some tips to be fire safe this winter!
1. Be aware: Educate homeowners, family and friends that the glass and surrounding metal on a gas fireplace, stove and insert gets very hot and can stay hot even after the appliance has been turned off. Make sure kids and others know the danger to avoid injury.
· The hearth industry is engaging in a consumer education program to raise awareness of the potential for burns from glass fronts to protect young children, pets and other at-risk individuals.
· The hazard is avoidable and the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) believes that even one burn is too many.
· All gas-fired, certified fireplaces manufactured after January 1, 2015 will include a safety screen or protective barrier that must be installed. If your product is older than January 1, 2015, aftermarket products such as attachable safety screens, free-standing safety gates and free-standing fireplace screens can be installed for additional caution.
2. Supervise: Injury can happen in an instant, especially with kids and those with special needs so it is important for folks to monitor and supervise.
· In the past several years, reports of burns from touching the glass fronts on gas fireplaces, inserts and stoves involve young children and others who may not be aware of the potential risk of burns by touching the glass and surrounding panels.
· When fireplaces are on the hazard may be intuitive but even turned off the glass remains very hot for up to an hour.
3. Get a barrier: Supervision is important but is no substitute for a physical barrier that can prevent direct contact.
· A new mandatory safety standard for glass-front fireplaces, stoves and inserts ensures appliances manufactured after January 1, 2015 include a safety screen or barrier. For the past year, gas fireplace manufacturers have been working with the CSA Group to develop a safety standard for all new gas fireplaces, stoves and inserts with glass fronts.
· Rigorous testing was conducted to ensure that these safety screens are effective in preventing serious, irreversible burns.
· The industry will be working with fire and building officials to make sure that the standard is incorporated into their codes and with safety organizations, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission, to promote the safety measures.
· HPBA recommends that consumers with existing fireplaces, stoves or inserts consider installing a protective screen or physical barrier to reduce the risk of serious burns by preventing direct contact with the glass front.
· Consumers should contact their hearth specialty retailer for advice on the types of safety devices that may be available for their product.
Protective safety screens help prevent skin from coming into contact with the hot glass of a fireplace or insert, greatly reducing the risk of serious burns. Heatilator is committed to consumer safety, leading the industry as the first to include safety barrier screens as standard equipment on all Direct Vent gas fireplaces and inserts. The ANSI-compliant retrofit safety barrier screens have proven to be 100 percent effective over the past decade, with zero reports of severe burns resulting from hearths with a properly installed barrier screen.
4. Go online to learn more at SafeFireplaceTips.com.
DETAILS FOR THE TWITTER PARTY
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A TWITTER PARTY ALL ABOUT FIREPLACE SAFETY
DATE: WEDNESDAY, FEB 10th
TIME: 3-4 PM EST
HASHTAG: #FirePlaceMomTalk
HOSTS: @dentistmel, @HPBA_ , @heatilator
COHOST: @amomsimpression
PRIZES: 2 Firescreens as seen below ($200+ value each) and 3 American Express Gift Cards!
RSVP: please put your twitter name below where it directs you to participate in this twitter party and be eligible for winning prizes!