Safety During the Holidays--Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

Tips for Tuesday

The holidays are fast approaching. Along with them, are the stresses for preparations. Part of the holiday tradition is entertaining family and friends, whether it's a cozy cookie exchange with the ladies or a formal dinner with the boss.

While these are fun times, there are some hazards associated with entertaining. Take cautions so you aren't a victim.

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves
• Have your chimney, flues or stove professionally inspected and cleaned.
• Keep flammable materials such as paper/wrappings, live evergreens and other decorations away from the fireplace or stove.
• Burn only clean, dry firewood.
• Check the damper to make sure it is open before starting a fire.
• Have a sturdy fireplace screen or other barrier around the fireplace/stove while it is burning to keep children and pets away.
• Ashes can stay hot for up to 48 hours. Take caution when cleaning out your fireplace/stove, and always use a metal container to dispose of ashes.
• Leave glass doors open when burning a fire to prevent creosote build-up in the chimney.
• Close glass doors when the fire is out so chimney air doesn’t' escape into room.
• Keep air inlets on wood stoves open to prevent creosote buildup inside the stove's chimney.