Cavemen figured out fire, what, maybe a million years ago? (Close enough for this discussion. We’re just rounding off here.)
And then somebody invented patios … probably back in the 1800s, let’s say. (Again, just round figures.)
Now we’ve got it all: Thanks to fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and fire bowls, we can roast weenies — and keep ourselves warm — on our patios all winter.
Even in these parts.
But as much as cabin fever and a three-day snow can tempt us into sliding open the back door, slipping out and recklessly starting a fire, it’s important to hear out our internal fire marshal first.
It’s worth heeding the advice of folks like fireplacemall.com, who have issued a safety checklist for those of us who feel a primal comfort in sitting in front of crackling orange flames on a cold night.
Here are some of their tips:
• Don’t leave fires attended.
• Use dry, seasoned wood to keep the smoke minimal.
• Use screens, protective fire coverings and safety gloves.
• Be ready to extinguish the fire immediately.
They might seem like no-brainers to most of us, but a lot of cavemen probably would’ve been grateful for this kind of information back about 1 million B.C. … or whenever we figured it would’ve been.
Either way, when you contact us, we’ll make sure the safety checklist is covered. And we’ll help you invent your own modern way to enjoy the cavemen’s greatest gift to us.
