A fireplace can provide warmth on a cold winter evening, but if not maintained
and operated properly it can become deadly. Keep your family safe by following
these suggestions.
Fireplace safety tips:
- Have your chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned annually by a
certified professional.
- Always use a
fireplace screen.
- Clear the area around the fireplace and chimney of books, newspapers,
magazines and other potentially flammable materials.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in your home,
maintain them properly and test them monthly.
- Use
fireplace tools to tend the fire.
- Keep small children away from the fireplace.
- Keep a fire extinguisher available nearby.
- Never burn trash, cardboard boxes or debris in your fireplace.
- Never use flammable liquids to start a fireplace fire.
- Place logs at the rear of the fireplace.
- Never overload the fireplace.
- Stack firewood outside at least 30 feet from your home.
- Keep the top of the chimney free of debris and clear of tree limbs.
- Place fireplace ash outside your home in a non-combustible container and
away from any structure to prevent embers from s