Preparing for s’more than you asked for

Bouvier has dedicated the month of August to fire safety! Each Wednesday we will be sharing a tip, from our friends at Arbella Insurance, to help you prevent a fire at your home.

Week 3: Fire Pit Safety

Who doesn’t love sitting around a fire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories? Fire pits are the number one requested landscaping design feature and can add ambiance to any back yard. But, they can also be dangerous.

• Watch out for wind, dry weather, and other perilous conditions. And keep your head up! Are there low tree branches above you? This is a big “no-no”—the last thing you need is for the sparks to catch on nearby trees.

• Avoid soft woods like pine or cedar, which can snap, crackle, and pop. Never burn treated wood like the kind used for fencing or decks – they can leave toxic metals in the ashes and are illegal everywhere.

• Once your done with your fire, go ahead and hose it down until it is completely soaked, then hose it down some more. Let it sit overnight—while you sleep comfortably knowing your backyard is fire-safe—and dispose of the ashes in the morning in a metal container. Never toss fire pit ashes into the garbage or into a paper bag.

This article provides generic information only, for specific coverage questions on your policy please contact your Bouvier Agent at 860.232.4491 or www.binsurance.com.