This winter, keep these chimney and fireplace safety tips in mind.

When the weather gets cold, there’s nothing better than gathering your family in front of a crackling fire.  However, before lighting the first fire of winter, you should make sure your chimney and fireplace are safe to use.  Here are some care tips that you should take to ensure that your chimney and fireplace are safe to use.

Clean and Inspect

Before lighting a fire, you should call a chimney sweep to clean and inspect your chimney.  A professional chimney sweep will conduct a visual inspection of your fireplace and chimney, looking for any blockages or build-up of a substance called creosote.  If not addressed, creosote can lead to a fire in your chimney that could spread to your home.  A good rule of thumb is to have your chimney and fireplace inspected at least once a year to ensure that it is in good condition to use.

Clear the Area

Before setting up your fire, make sure that the area around your fireplace is clear of any flammable items.  Keep furniture at least 36 inches away to avoid a rogue spark from setting your upholstery aflame.  Additionally, remove any paper products, textiles, or wooden items from the immediate area so they do not accidentally catch fire as well.

Use the Right Wood

To build a safe fire, make sure that you only use seasoned wood to feed the flames.  Seasoned wood is wood that has been dried out for at least a year.  Wood that is damp or has been exposed to the elements can result in smoky fires.  Additionally, when you’re building a fire, make sure you place your seasoned logs close to each other.  If you space your logs too far apart, this will generate a weak fire that does not produce as much heat.

Follow these tips to help you safely enjoy a roaring fire all winter long.  To ensure that your home and loved ones stay safe this winter, make sure that you have the right insurance coverage to address their needs.  To find the best policies for you, contact the experts at Scautub Agency in Scotia, New York.  Our dedicated team is ready to get you covered today.