An old survey says that about seventy percent of homeowners tend to include outdoor fireplaces when they plan to do a home remodel. This is what’s currently trending among residents these days and rightfully so. An Outdoor fireplace would be a wonderful and beautiful structure to have in the backyard.

Whether as a stand-alone or a big part of the backyard kitchen, it’s generally a very ideal focal point of the area. It’s especially important when the colder season comes as it helps make the environment warmer, so parties and gatherings are still possible all year round. As such, an outdoor fireplace, while admittedly expensive to aspire, is not such a luxury but a necessity.

If you’re considering installing an outdoor fireplace though, safety must first be on top of the list. This proves most true if you have children at home. Planning and design must be carefully mapped out in order to avoid any untoward accident or mishaps. Here are some tips to take note when you are planning on having the fireplace installed:

• If you have an outdoor fireplace, it follows that you should always keep a fire extinguisher on stand-by, just in case.
• Invest in fire screens. This is an all too-important accessory for outdoor fireplaces as it helps prevent soot and cinders from flying in the area.
• Make sure to have a proper fire pit, one that follows the regulation of your city government. Also, make sure to diligently follow the regulation to the letter. There’s a reason for this as prevention is definitely a priority and a must.
• Keep outdoor furniture away from the fireplace to avoid getting it caught in fire.
• Maintenance is a must. Have the outdoor fireplace checked and cleaned regularly especially if you own a wood-burning type. Chimneys must be cleaned often.
• Be sure that young kids are never allowed to go near the fire pit or play within the zone of it.
• Never leave children by themselves when you’ve got the fire burning.

Adhering to these safety guidelines also involve a lot of common sense. You really have to be a responsible homeowner if you want to own an outdoor fireplace.

It’s very frustrating to get online and immediately be greeted by the news of a pandemic that’s going to get us all.   Yes, this new strain of flu is something that needs to be taken seriously, but the media is senstationalizing things way too much.  We’re not all on the verge of death, much less a worldwide plague that will wipe out life as we know it. 

Remember, the more scared the media can make you, the more stories they can sell you.  I’ve consulted with the CDC and with several local doctors and nurses.  Here’s what you need to know.

• This is not an epidemic or a pandemic.  Only 40 cases have been confirmed in the US.  That’s fewer than 1 in 7,000,000 people.
• You can prevent this kind of flu the same way you prevent every other kind of flu: wash hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, wipe and disinfect surfaces, stay home if you are sick and keep your kids home if they are, get a flu shot if you can, and drink plenty of liquids.
• Stay healthy.  Get rest, exercise, healthy food, and keep everyone hydrated.
• Avoid large crowds as much as you can.
• Don’t panic. 

Flu of any type is more serious than we give it credit for, but this kind can be dealt with just like those other kinds that we do have experience with.  I’ll keep checking in with my sources and letting you know if there’s new info, but in the meantime, practice good health and hygiene and go on with life.  And dont’ worry so much.