The coldest part of winter is now approaching – and there’s nothing to gear up for until Valentine’s Day. One thing that can help pass the time is knowing you can spend cold winter nights curled up in front of a warm fire. Unfortunately, one accident by the fireside can ruin those cozy times forever. There area few things that you can do to reduce the possibility of fire hazards and stay accident free this winter.
Preventative Measures
As Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to fire safety, there are two things that you can do to prevent major damage from a chimney fire. First, it is very important to make sure that your smoke detector batteries are charged. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, you should have a smoke detector installed on each floor of the house. Make sure there is one in each bedroom and outside of every sleeping area and in the basement. Check your smoke detector batteries once a month, and change the batteries at least twice a year.
Secondly, make sure that your fireplace has been inspected and cleaned on a yearly basis. Your CSIA certified inspector will be looking for creosote build-up, obstructions such as bird nests, and structural damage. He will advise you on what level of cleaning is needed and any repairs/rebuilds that need to be done before you use your fireplace. It is important that your inspector and sweeps are CSIA certified, like those at Michael’s Chimney Service.
Chimney Fire
Chimney fire. These are the words that strike fear into the heart of fireplace owners. Not only can you have fireplace damage with a chimney fire, your entire home is at risk if there’s a major fire. Most people think of billowing smoke rolling out of the chimney when they think about a chimney fire. Although this is the case in some instances, most chimney fires aren’t that dramatic.
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, most chimney fires don’t get enough air or fuel to cause a roaring inferno. However, even a small chimney fire can cause structural damage to your chimney. Oftentimes a knowledgeable professional is the only one who can diagnose the damage. One of the most important aspects of avoiding a chimney fire is to start each season with a clean chimney. Creosote build-up and structural damage can contribute to a chimney fire, so hiring a qualified sweep is important.
Call Michael’s Chimney Service
If you have questions or concerns on fireplace safety, Micheal’s Chimney Service is the place to call. Their qualified professionals have the answers to any fireplace questions you have. With their help, you’ll be spending many happy, carefree nights curled up in front of a cozy, safe fire.
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