Many new homeowners don't realize the responsibility that comes along with having a fireplace installed in their homes. These beautiful creations do require some work and maintenance, but if they are well taken care of problems almost never arise. One of the best ways to ensure that a fireplace remains safe is to be certain the fireplace screens and accessories are always in use and in good repair.

Fireplace screens are the first line of defense a homeowner has while using a fireplace. Yes, these creations are designed to burn logs indoors while providing heat, but they can sometimes get out of control. The fireplace screens help ensure they don't. Operating a fireplace without understanding basic safety and maintenance is not recommended.

Here's a basic primer for first-time fireplace owners. Let's start with the screens. These serve two major purposes:

* Keep ember ins. Sometimes when a roaring fire is really roaring, the wood pops and crackles. While that's the charm of a fireplace, if those embers happen to fly into a room, a fire outside the confines of the fireplace can start. This is where screens are vitally important. If a fire is burning, a screen should be installed. There are no ifs, ands or buts about that one. They simply protect the house and everyone in it from accidents.

* Keep creatures out. Animals and children are best protected in a house with a fireplace when the screen is in place. As the screen works to keep embers it, it also helps make sure things like curious little hands and wagging tails don't make their way into the fire area. With this in mind, it's vitally important to keep a screen in place as a fire roars.

In addition to making sure the screen is on if the fire is on, there are other things homeowners should know about fireplaces. These include:

* Annual maintenance. It's a very good idea to have a fireplace inspected and cleaned once a year. This might seem like overkill, but the truth is it is just a smart and safe idea. Cleaning can help remove fire hazards and also make sure that smoke is being properly vented outside of the house.

* Self-maintenance. Fireplace accessories beyond the screen should be used to move logs, clean up ashes and so on. Cleaning out the fire pit on a regular basis of old ashes can help ensure the fireplace stays in good working order while a house, too, stays cleaner.

A good set of fireplace accessories should always be placed next to a fireplace when its in operation. If small children are present, considering storing these on the mantel to prevent pokers from becoming accidental weapons.

Having a fireplace can be a great way to add ambiance to a home. It does come with some responsibility though. Smart homeowners make sure they put safety first. From the fireplace screens to the right maintenance schedule, an ounce of prevention in this care is absolutely worth more than a pound of cure.