Winter Fire Safety

Ensure adequate clearance from combustibles. Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary.  Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.  Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening.  Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces.  Never burn charcoal indoors.  Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel.  Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out.  If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package.


Furnace Heating Tips

• It's important that you have your furnace inspected to ensure that it is in good working condition.
  
• Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.
  
• Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists.  Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are qualified.
  
• Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line.  If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance maybe required.
  
• Check the flue pipe and pipe seams.  Are they well supported, free of holes, and cracks?  Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.
  
• Is the chimney solid, with cracks or loose bricks?  All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry.
  
• Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.

Wood Stove Safety

Ensure adequate clearance from combustibles.  Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary.  Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.  Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires.  Never burn charcoal indoors.  Keep flammable materials away from your stove.

---