Chimney safety for the holiday season

With the cold weather and holiday season here, a favorite pastime for homeowners is to make a nice roaring fire in the fireplace. Although that roaring fire may be a treat to sit in front of and watch, safety and mantenance of the chimney must be taken.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America reports that creosote accumulation is the leading cause of chimney fires. A chimney that is dirty, blocked or is in disrepair can inhibit proper venting of smoke up the flue and can also cause a chimney fire. Nearly all residential fires originating in the chimney are preventable. An annual chimney inspection by a certified chimney sweep can prevent fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends the following chimney safety tips:

• Have your chimney checked every year.
• Burn only well seasoned hardwoods.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector.
• Install a chimney cap.
• Have your chimney waterproofed.
• Have your chimney flashing inspected and maintained.
• Have a sealing damper installed in your wood-burning system.
• Have your chimney sweep ensure that your chimney has a appropriate liner.
• Following a violet storm, earthquake, flood or lightening strike, have your chimney inspected for damage - inside and out.
• Hire a certified chimney sweep.

With annual maintenance and common safety precautions, you and your family can spend many hours this winter enjoying the beauty and warmth from your fireplace.