Safety Tips for Backyard Fire Pits

If you're considering a home improvement that the whole family is sure to love, a backyard fire pit is a perfect answer. Not only will this give your space a cozy and upscale feel, but it also creates heat so you can enjoy your time outdoors even when the temperatures start to dip. 

Before you light up that fire, though, it's a good idea to reacquaint yourself with some simple safety tips. This way, you can make sure everybody has a great time without worrying about the potential for property damage or someone getting hurt. 

Check the Weather
Not only do you want to check and make sure your fire won't get rained out, but you'll also need to make sure it's not going to be unusually windy. A lot of wind will make it difficult to light your kindling, and, even worse, it could cause sparks to fly and unintentionally ignite a fire. 

Choose the Right Spot
If you're not up for a major home improvement, starting with a portable fire pit is a great option. Before you light it, though, you'll want to make sure it's in a safe spot. This means keeping it far away from low-hanging trees, yard waste, building overhangs, and other flammable materials.

Remember that even if it's not extremely windy, sparks can easily blow at least a few feet. Check that your fire pit isn't too close to dry wood, leaves, and other similar materials. Otherwise, you could end up with an emergency. 

Keep a Safe Distance
It's common sense that you don't want to sit too close to the fire, but, when it's s'more season, it's easy to ignite a sleeve or some wayward hair accidentally. Remind your guests to roll up their sleeves and pull back their hair before they start roasting over the open fire. 

If your fire pit came with a screen, keep it on whenever you can. If not, you might want to think about heading to the home improvement store to get the materials so you can make a protective barrier. This is especially important if there will be children around the fire. 

Be Ready to Put it Out
As long as you've followed the tips above, it's unlikely that you'll end up with a wayward fire. However, there's always a chance that things could get out of control. Always make sure you have a source of water nearby or a shovel so you can cover the fire with dirt if needed. You might consider purchasing a fire blanket from your local home improvement store. This can be used to quickly smother an out-of-control fire in the pit, one that has started nearby, or if (heaven forbid!) one of your guests catches themselves on fire. 

Never Leave Your Fire Unattended
You must never leave a fire unattended, even if it has died down to only glowing embers. If you have to leave, even for a moment to get something from the house or use the restroom, designate someone else to keep an eye on things while you're gone. 

When you're done with your fire for the night, douse it with water and turn all of the logs over to make sure they're completely extinguished before you go inside. 

Add a Fire Pit to Your Home Improvement "To Do" List! 
If you don't have a fire pit yet, or you're using a temporary one, this is a home improvement project you might want to consider! Nothing screams summer quite like gathering with your friends and family to enjoy a cookout and s'mores. This is a super-easy project that is well worth the investment. 

• Spring Décor Updates to Brighten Your Home
• Simple Daily Habits to Maintain a Cleaner Home
• Don't Let Winter Win: How to Freeze-Proof Your Garage
• How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater
• Winterproofing Windows and Doors: A Guide to Keeping the Cold Out
• How to Future-Proof Your Home for Changing Needs
• Home Happiness 101: Small Upgrades That Can Make Every Day Feel Better
• Fall Cleaning Tips For Decluttering Before the Holidays
• How to Create a Cozy Fall Retreat in Your Backyard
• Why Fall is Prime Time for Window Replacement

• Tips for Transitioning Your Closet From Summer to Fall
• Why September Is the Best Month to Paint Your Home's Exterior

• The Best Home Styles for Enjoying Spring Weather
• What to Do the First Week in Your New Home
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• How to Research Crime and Safety
• What Buyers Need to Know About Home Warranties
• Browsing for Homes Online? Follow These Shopping Tips
• How to Look Past Bad Staging
• What Happens If Interest Rates Change After You Buy?
• How to Compare Two Homes You Love

• Post-Holiday Finances: How to Reset Your Budget for Home Buying
• New Year, New Home: How to Set Smart Home-Buying Goals for the Year Ahead

• Packing Tips for Sellers: Preparing for a Spring Move
• What to Store, Donate, or Toss Before Listing
• What Buyers Notice First in Listing Photos
• How Spring Sellers Can Enter The Market With Confidence
• Tax Considerations Home Sellers Should Know About
• The One-Room-at-a-Time Spring Prep Strategy
• What's the Difference Between Listing a Home and Marketing It?
• How to Respond to Buyer Feedback Without Panicking
• Transparency Builds Trust: Why Honesty Sells Homes Faster
• Winter Selling Myths That Shouldn't Keep You From Listing

• The Value of Local Market Knowledge When Selling Your Home
• Selling in Snowy Conditions: Safety, Access, and Presentation Tips