Arlington, Va. (September 29, 2017)––It is that time of year to prepare for the cold weather and holiday time with family and friends around a glowing fire. HPBA will educate consumers on the array of fireplace, stove, and other product options that can be an essential element to any living room, den, bedroom, or another room in the house. The education effort will begin in October with National Fireplace Month and extend through February.
HPBA will be kicking off Fire Prevention Week (October 8–14) by co-hosting a Twitter Party on fireplace and stove safety with the National Chimney Sweep Guild and Mom Bloggers Club, a leading blog for moms. The Twitter Party will take place October 10 at 1:00–2:00 pm EST and feature tips for enjoying fireplace, stove, and heater products safely, including the following.
- Keep furniture, books, newspapers, and other potentially flammable materials at least three feet away from the fireplace.
- Have the chimney of your woodburning appliance inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary, by a professional to ensure it’s clear of obstructions and creosote to prevent a fire.
- Make family members and guests aware that the glass panel of a gas fireplace, stove, or insert can be very hot if there is no screen. Install a safety barrier or screen to reduce the risk of serious burns.
- Have a technician check the gas lines of an appliance to clean the burner and control compartment, and check for condensation annually.
- Crack a window open if burning vent-free logs for more than an hour. If using vented logs, clamp your fireplace damper into the open position so it never closes while burning.
HPBA will be featuring tips and general information on fireplaces and stoves throughout the fall and winter on both its Facebook and Twitter channels.
On October 18, HPBA will also be participating in the annual National Bioenergy Day to increase awareness about just how cleanly wood and pellet appliances burn. Spearheaded by the Biomass Power Association, HPBA is pleased to cosponsor the event.
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based just outside of Washington, DC, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms, and allied associates for all types of fireplace, stove, heater, barbecue, and outdoor living appliances and accessories. HPBA provides professional member services and industry support in government relations, events, market research, education, certifications, consumer education, and industry promotion.