Even with a fence installed, a crawling child or toddler must never be left alone without supervision in a room with a wood burning oven. Toddlers particularly, like to toss things over the fence. Heavier items such as blocks can easily crack or break the glass front of particular models of stoves. Plastic products, should they reach the top of the stove, can easily melt and release toxic fumes into the air.
From an early age, kids must be taught the hazards of a wood burning stove. It should be discussed that fire is hot and must not be played with in any way. The same explanations given to kids Phoenix AZ Heating Repairs the kitchen cooking stove and safety should also apply to a wood burning stove heater.
Kids are captivated with fire. As you are loading a wood burning stove with either logs or pellets, this becomes a perfect time to discuss with them the hazards. You do not want a child to be frightened of the wood burning stove, but at the same time, you do want to impart a healthy respect for the appliance.
Older kids can assist with wood burning stove tasks, such as bringing in firewood or pellets. They can also help sweep up the area or engage younger kids while the parent is occupied with the stove. Various other tasks, such as loading the stove or clearing the ash pan, is best left to older teenagers or adults.
Another concern with wood burning stoves, not just for kids, is the pollutants put into the indoor air by the stove. If a child has an allergic reaction to smoke or asthma, a wood burning stove can make an attack more likely. Care should be taken that such a child is out of the room when the stove is opened for filling or for cleaning the ash pan.