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For September 2016 release

 

Reminders for Safe Fireplace Start Ups

 

Los Angeles, CA – As chilly evenings return and the thought of a crackling fireplace or woodstove warms the mood, keep safety in mind when starting that first fire. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association has important safety tips for consumers:

• Make sure the fireplace damper is open.
• Make sure chimneys and vents are clear of creosote build-up or obstructions.
• Clean out ashes from previous wood fires.
• Don’t build too big a wood fire.
• Use a fire screen or glass door in front of the fire to prevent room sparks.
• Make sure the area around the fireplace or woodstove is clear of furniture, books, newspapers and other potentially flammable materials.

• Test smoke detector batteries to ensure proper operation.

• Burn only dry, well-seasoned split logs or manufactured logs. Mix soft woods with hard woods for long-glowing ember beds.
• For gas fireplaces, clean the fan and related air-circulation passages and make sure vents are unobstructed.
• Never burn garbage, charcoal or plastic in the fireplace. Do not burn chemically treated, painted or stained wood from construction sites or driftwood found on the beach
• Never use gasoline or any liquid accelerant to help start a fire.

• Keep small children and pets away from the fireplace.
• Never leave a fire unattended, and make certain it is completely extinguished before going to bed.
• If building a wood fire, keep the fire proportionate to the fireplace size.
• Don’t close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.
• Always follow your state and local burning regulations and programs.

Specialty hearth products retailers who are members of HPBA can show homeowners the latest efficient hearth products and answer any safety or maintenance questions.  Look for dealers whose technicians are certified by the National Fireplace Institute (NFI), because they have earned the highest designation for installation and service for hearth products.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue (HPBA) is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of hearth, barbecue, patio appliances, and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, and consumer education.

Retailers belonging to the HPBA Pacific have special training and experience to provide expert advice on all fireplace needs. To locate retailers, visit www.hpbapacific.org or call (888) 332-2472.

 

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FOR IMMMEDIATE RELEASE

TEN REASONS TO ‘WINTERCUE’ THIS SEASON

Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association Shares Why You Should Be Firing Up the Grill, Even During the Coldest Months of the Year

Arlington, Va. (January 20, 2016) – Fondly missing summer backyard afternoons spent over the open flame? There’s no reason not to be barbecuing in winter, suggests the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA).

“While grilling is a common pastime during the spring and summer, there are more and more barbecuers using their grills and smokers year-round,” said Jack Goldman, president and CEO, HPBA. “Whether it’s winter in North Dakota or South Florida, you can’t beat barbecuing to give foods extra flavor and explore culinary ideas at your next get-together.”

To provide inspiration for stepping out of the kitchen and into the backyard during even the coldest of months, HPBA offers “10 Reasons to Wintercue”:

1. Enjoy simple comfort foods. Explore soups, stews, casseroles and chili over the grill during the cooler, darker months. Keep warm with this Beer Can White Chicken Chili.
2. Throw the ultimate Super Bowl party. Join the 28 percent of grill owners who barbecue on one of the biggest eating occasions of the year. Cheer on your team while enjoying thesePlanked Grilled Potato Skins.
3. Kick post-NFL blues. Use your open Sunday afternoon to throw out the playbook, and try a new barbecue recipe for your home team.
4. Be different. Friends and neighbors will take note when you’re searing steaks in freezing weather, quickly earning you a stand-out reputation.
5. Cure cabin fever. Feeling cooped up? Get outside and fire up your barbecue for a complete family dinner of Braised Beef Short Ribs.
6. ROI. As a year-round griller, you’ll be getting more bang (and barbecue) for your backyard investment.
7. Switch up from the crockpot. Almost every meal we cook in our crockpots can be prepared low and slow in a Dutch oven on your grill or smoker, like this Slow Cooked Beef Stew.
8. Dine in with your Valentine. Surprise your flame with juicy lobster tails or a Rack of Lamb fixed in your own backyard.
9. Stay warm. It’s more fun to stand by a warm flame when it’s 29 degrees than 99 degrees.
10. Don’t be left in the cold. According to a recent survey*, nearly half of all grill/smoker owners cook out at least once a month during the winter.

Learn more about winter barbecuing at www.WinterBarbecuing.com, HPBA’s website dedicated to celebrating and inspiring backyard barbecuing during the coldest months.

(*Source: 2015 HPBA Barbecue Lifestyle, Usage & Attitude Survey)

About Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)

The 2,100-member Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based in Arlington, Va., is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of hearth, patio and barbecue appliances, fuels and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, research, government relations, marketing, advertising, and consumer education.