SEASONAL MAINTENANCE

SEASONAL
MAINTENANCE

Chimney safety

Before you use your fireplace this fall, safety measures can help make sure the hearth isn’t a hazard. Maybe it should go without saying, but here’s a key reminder from the Chimney Safety Institute of America: Never leave a fire burning in the hearth unattended. Other refreshers:

Get an annual chimney check done by a professionally trained technician. That’s the most important step that you can take to reduce the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings, Ashley Eldridge, the CSIA’s director of education, says.

Keep chimney and hearth clear. Keep furniture and decorations at least 3 feet away from the hearth. Outside, keep tree branches and leaves at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney.

Use a metal screen in front of the fireplace. Eldridge recommends glass doors with a screen. “Keep the screen closed when using the fireplace to prevent sparks from flying out of the fireplace,” he says. “Only close the glass doors when the fire has died down sufficiently. There is a risk of explosion if you keep the glass doors closed when you have an active fire.” Outdoors, install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of the chimney.

Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the house and check batteries in spring and fall when you change clocks for Daylight Saving Time (this year Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, Nov. 4.)

Never burn trash, Christmas trees or treated wood in your fireplace. Choose well-seasoned wood, split for at least six months to a year and stored in a covered and elevated location. With commercial fire logs, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, burning only one fire log at a time.

Source: Associated Press