How to Keep Children Away From the Fireplace

A fireplace provides a warm, cozy environment to any home. However, keeping small children away from a fireplace is sometimes challenging. Although it is dangerous, children seem to be attracted to the warmth and beauty of a hot burning fireplace. To prevent injuries, it is important to stress the dangers of a hot fireplace as soon as a small child is mobile. With some planning and careful attention, children quickly learn that staying away from fireplaces is the best way to prevent burns or other fireplace injuries.

Instructions

- 1
  Install a fireplace hearth gate, which is specifically designed to keep children from accessing the hearth of the fireplace. With interlocking sections, it can be adjusted to fit various hearth sizes.
- 2
  Consider only building a fire in the evening hours. During the daytime, when the children are around the fireplace, place light furniture such as a kitchen chair or small end table in front of the fireplace to block small children from playing near it. Build a fire only after the children are in bed.
- 3
  Train your children to stay away from the fireplace. With your hearth gate in place, firmly say, "No, hot!" Each time a child reaches out to touch the gate, repeat "No, hot!" and move him or her away from the gate. In a matter of days, the child will make the connection of danger to the fireplace.

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