Is Your Firepit Ready for the Cold Season?

Cold season is fast approaching. And as early as today, some of us are already feeling the chilly weather. Perhaps, this is the perfect time to do some maintenance checkup and break-in your outdoor fireplace/fire pit for the coming days ahead.

So before getting all too excited about spending the nightfall in your patio, burning wood while downing a six-pack, here are some things you might want to consider doing to make sure your fire pit and/or outdoor fireplace is ready to be of service for the cold season.

‘tis the time of the year to ready your patio fire pit for the coming cold days

1. Clean off burnt residue from the fire pit – It is a given that fire pits (virtually all fire places) are prone to being dirty and/or blackened due to burnt materials and residue. That’s why it is important to clean it first before setting up your fuel and tinder. Make sure to scrape off creosote –a burnt wood byproduct that can produce burst of flame when re-ignited by fire – and other byproduct build-up that may cause potential fire risks. If you happen to use the pit for outdoor cooking as well, then it is advisable to include the cooking peripherals as well in your pit-cleaning checklist.

2. Check the fire pit for damages – A poorly-maintained fire place or a fire pit imposes potential dangers that could result to serious damages and accidents. Ergo, it is a-must to inspect the entire pit for damages such as cracked mortar and loose or gapped brick/stone for repair. Cement, lime putty or grout can be used to fix these imperfections.

This also goes with portable fire pits; metal-made pits are prone to rusting and corrosion, so it should be checked for deterioration. To repair this, you may use steel brush to remove the flakey stain patch. If some of the parts have been significantly disintegrated, you can patch this with a thin metal sheet and weld it to cover the rusting part.

3. Move your patio furniture – Just to be sure, move some of your patio furniture that may deemed prone to burnt damages in case a sudden spark of tinder lands on it. Instead, use wood chairs and tables to further avoid such accidents. To make it even safer for your precious outdoor furnishings, it is better to shield them from ashes and fumes using a trusty patio furniture cover.

4. Stockpile some fuel – And by fuel, we’re not just talking about gas or kerosene. It is basically the materials that you’ll be using to create and maintain fire. And that includes wood, coal, newspapers, briquette and of course, lighter and/or matches to start one. For those who are using wood, it is important that you should “season” the wood (dried out for 6 days). Go for hardwood like maple, hickory, oak and cherry instead of softwood, as the latter doesn’t last long.

5. Set up a safe spot for children and pets – Because your kids and beloved furry pets want to enjoy the outdoor warmth as well. That being said, you may set up a safe area –ideally a significant feet away from the fireplace – for them to stay. Place a nice, comfy outdoor mattress and a pet throw will do the job in keeping them warm and cozy.

6. Lastly, don’t forget the s’mores essentials – You’re sitting in front of the fireplace, right? So, what are you waiting for? Prepare the s’mores table and start the fire… because an outdoor fireplace wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a stick of roasted marshmallows and a piece of chocolate sandwiched between a pair of biscuits. Heck, might as well get the hotdogs too!

Keep Your House Safe for Kids

Every child is a testament to the wonderful gift of life – even if at times you feel like covering them with patio furniture covers even just for a couple of minutes to take the crazy world to a halt. Kidding!

It is really amazing to look at their tiny hands and feet in their first few weeks. Parents, especially mothers, would often be puzzled at how that wonderful creature grew within her for the past nine months. As children grow, they never fail to amaze and bring wonderful surprises to the family.

Photo Credit: Love To Know Kids

But behind these surreal moments are manic ones in between. Children, especially toddlers, can be quite a handful to handle at home. Endless running and shouting all over the place can definitely turn any household upside down. And it’s pretty rare for children to cause havoc without getting a couple of bruises or scars along the way.

Allowing children to explore the great outdoors is said to be one of the most effective ways of letting them learn not only about the environment, but about life in general. Don’t let safety issues get in the way of your child’s education. We’ve compiled the most practical practices that you can easily integrate in the upkeep of your backyard to encourage your children to play.

1. Define spaces

Separating the lounge from the play area can help in keeping your children safe outdoors. Defining spaces allows kids to develop a sense of familiarity with and belongingness to their specified area. Placing the play area far from the pool or the barbeque area can help ensure safety. Fences are also recommended to keep children within the vicinity of your home.

2. Be a barber

You don’t have to cut your child’s hair. All you have to do is trim the grass in your backyard. Tall grasses are very inviting to snakes and other animals that could cause harm to your kids. If you are too busy to take care of this chore, you may hire the kid next door. Turning this activity into a family affair is another creative way to promote family time.

3. Pick furniture pieces wisely

Anything with a sharp edge is a no-no. Rounded tables and sofas are better choices for outdoor furniture over their more angular and boney counterparts. Another thing that you have to consider is the material used for the furniture. Make sure avoid anything that has chemicals and can be broken. Also choose pieces that are easy to clean since kids can really make a lot of mess.

4. Cover ‘em up

Using patio furniture covers really help in keeping your furniture safe from dust and bacteria build up that can trigger allergies. Pool covers on the other hand ensure that no one falls inside the pool unintentionally. These covers are usually made with sturdy materials that can withstand changes in weather.

Let your kids play under the sun while they are young. These moments help them learn about their surroundings that lead to a better understanding of life. Treating kids as fragile individuals at all times can cripple their growth.  Let them be what they really are – innocent and carefree.