There’s nothing better than chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose during the holiday season. One thing you don’t want, however, is your open fire nipping at your patio. Open fires and other fire elements can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to follow these safety tips when using fire elements on your patio:
Tip #1: Choose the Right Location
When it comes to placing fire elements on your patio, location matters. Since patio fire elements aren’t meant for transmitting heat over long distances, you’ll want to place it as close as possible to the area you normally hang out. Make sure that when you’re placing the fire element, it doesn’t obstruct any exits and it doesn’t pose a fire hazard.
Tip #2: Safely Store Your Fuel Source
Whether you’re using a wood-burning fire pit or a propane patio heater, it’s important that you have a place to safely store your fuel source. Fire pits can’t burn wet wood, and propane tanks can be dangerous if their gas tank valve isn’t closed and turned off. Always store your fuel supply in a place that is dry and protected from the various elements.
Tip #3: Keep an Eye on Children
If you have children on the patio along with a fire element, be sure to always keep an eye on them. Children should never touch a patio heater or fire element, not even to turn it on or off. If you have young children, make sure you store your heat source in a place where they can’t get into. Lastly, never leave them unattended on the patio when a fire element is in use.
Tip #4: Maintain your Fire Element
Like other home appliances, it’s important to regularly clean and maintain your fire element to ensure that it continues working safely. After every use, clean your patio heater using a mixture of soap and water. You can also clean the interior of your firepit using soap and water. Always replace any missing or damaged parts immediately to avoid bigger problems later on.
Want a Built-in Fire Element?
If you’re looking for a fire element that you don’t need to move around, North American Deck and Patio can help. As a Howard County patio builder, we have the experience required to build a beautiful and functional fire element on any type of patio. If you’re ready to warm up your patio in time for the holidays, contact us today!