Chimney Safety Is Not Something to Neglect

To celebrate National Chimney Safety Week with its promoter, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), Chim Cheree Chimney Specialists would like to tell you more about chimney and fireplace safety. Never something to neglect, fire safety should always be the first thing in your mind whenever you use your fireplace and chimney system. Since safety is our first priority when we provide our services to our customers, we would like to share with you some chimney safety tips from the CSIA.

Keep your chimney clear and capped.

You want to be sure that all tree branches and leaves are at least 15 feet away from the top of your chimney. This will prevent a potential brush fire. You also want to be sure your chimney is equipped with a chimney cap that can keep hot embers from jumping out of the chimney to ignite a fire on a roof or in your yard. A good chimney cap will also keep water and animals out of your chimney to prevent damage.

Choose the right fuel.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, you always want to burn seasoned firewood. This type of firewood has been cut and stored for at least six months so that it can fully dry out. If you do not cut your own firewood, you should find a reputable and trusted firewood dealer in your area who sells seasoned firewood. This type of wood burns cleaner and lasts longer. You will also see a reduction in the accumulation of creosote when you burn seasoned firewood. Additionally, you should never burn Christmas trees, treated wood, or wrapping paper in your fireplace or stove.

Keep the hearth area clear and clean.

You will want to keep furniture and any other combustible items at least 36 inches away from your fireplace to keep anything from catching on fire. You will also need to regularly dispose the ashes that are left behind after a fire. Wait until the ashes have cooled completely and discard the ashes in a closed metal container. Place this container outside of your home on a stone or concrete surface.

Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Place these alarms throughout your home on every level. Be sure to check the batteries every spring and fall. The CSIA recommends checking batteries when you change your clocks to and from Daylight Savings Time.

Have your chimney professionally swept and inspected every year.

The CSIA recommends that you have these maintenance tasks performed by a CSIA-certified chimney sweep, such as one of our sweeps at Chim Cheree Chimney Specialists, before you light the first fire of the year. This will ensure that the interior of your chimney has not suffered any major damage or has a significant accumulation of creosote. Having your chimney swept and inspected can prevent devastating chimney fires and carbon monoxide leaks.

Want to know more chimney safety tips? Contact us at Chim Cheree Chimney Specialists to learn more about using your fireplace and chimney as safely as possible.