WARMTH BY AN OPEN FIRE
A Homeowner’s Guide to Fireplace Safety
Burn Only Dry, Seasoned Wood When burned, wet wood produces more smoke and can cause creosote to rapidly accumulate inside your chimney. It’s best to stick with manufactured logs or seasoned wood, which is cut lengthwise and left to dry for 6 months. If you want to stockpile wood, be sure to store it somewhere dry, where it will remain untouched by rain or snow. Never toss paper, cardboard, or other materials into the fire. These can cause the flames to burn too high and release potentially toxic smoke and particles into the air. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors Burning wood produces carbon monoxide, a deadly, colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. If your chimney is properly maintained, the dangers of carbon monoxide are low. However, you should still install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors close to your fireplace and in all bedrooms to alert your family to carbon monoxide in your home.
As the new year rolls in with an icy breeze, people across Atlanta are eager to toss some wood into their fireplace and enjoy the natural warmth. However, the roaring fire can also pose a huge danger to you and your family. The Chimney Safety Institute of America reports more home fires are caused by mismanaged fireplaces than any other item in your home, including ovens! Before you strike a match, here are some valuable fireplace safety steps you need to follow. Call a Chimney Sweep The National Fire Protection Association found 28 percent of heating fires are caused by unclean equipment. Over time, creosote, a flammable material released when wood burns, can build up in your chimney. Debris, like leaves or animal nests, can block airflow and lead to a carbon monoxide buildup. For this reason, you need to call a chimney sweep and have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected every year before you use it. To find a certified chimney sweep close to your home, visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America at csia.org.
Fires can be dangerous, but if you’re smart and take necessary precautions, you can enjoy a safe fireplace all winter long.
WORD SEARCH December
Leftover Turkey RAMEN
Directions 1. Remove most of the meat from the turkey carcass, shred, and set aside. Put carcass in a large stockpot, along with 3 scallions, ginger, mushrooms, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3 hours. 2. Place eggs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then immediately remove pot from heat and let sit for 4 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool. Ingredients • 1 leftover turkey carcass • 6 scallions, divided • 8 slices ginger • 6 dried shiitake mushrooms • 16 cups water
3. Cook bacon until crisp. Drain, chop, and set aside. Chop remaining scallions. 4. Once the broth is done simmering, prepare the fresh noodles according to package directions. Divide noodles among 4 bowls and cover with broth. Add shredded turkey, chopped scallions, chopped bacon, and an egg to each bowl. • 4 eggs • 4 ounces bacon • 4 portions fresh, not instant, ramen noodles • 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
COCOA COLD EVERGREEN GLOVES HAT ICICLE
SLED SLEDDING SNOWBALL SNOWFLAKE SNOWMAN WINTER
(Recipe inspired by TheWoksOfLife.com.)
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