Obscure Dangers Arise from the Element of Fire

Empedocles was a Greek philosopher who reasoned that there were four working elements in all matter: Earth, Air, Water and Fire. Each element possesses a power in its way, via earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, monsoons or hurricanes. Snugly situated in the center of the continent, far from any active volcanoes, oceans or fault lines, Minnesota is practically impervious to these horrendous natural disasters. Our location does not shield us from fire, however, and our very lifestyles often invite this dangerous element right into our homes.

Back in November of 2009 we discussed the crucial need for smoke alarms in our homes, but fire has many faces. While fireplaces cause approximately 14,000 house fires each year, they cause countless additional injuries without starting the house on fire. One such obscure danger is the glass panel that separates the fire from the living room. Sieben, Grose, Von Holtum & Carey was hired by a family many years ago whose young child fell into the fireplace door at his daycare and sustained terrible burns to his hand. Young children are often targets for injuries caused by fireplaces, and they make up a majority of the 6,000 people that end up in emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireplaces and fireplace equipment.

It is imperative that you know how to use your fireplace, and that you follow all safety rules and guidelines associated with it. Below is a link to some basic fireplace safety tips from Cottage Grove’s Fire Department.

http://www.cottage-grove.org/fire_tips_fireplace.htm

Above all, know how to use your fireplace and educate your children about the hazards involved. Remember, DO NOT LIGHT A FIRE unless you are absolutely certain that you know how to safely start, maintain and extinguish that fire. We still have about three months of winter left, Minnesota. Let’s keep it safe.


Cory P. Whalen, Attorney at Law
Sieben, Grose, Von Holtum & Carey, LTD.