The smell is in the air. As the temperature drops, people turn to supplemental heat to help warm their homes. Before you burn, there are some safety tips that you should consider to reduce your chance of having a hostile fire at your home.
- Burn only quality hardwoods (Oak, Hickory, or Maple) that have been cut and allowed to season for at least one year. This drying process helps to reduce the creosote oil that can build up in your chimney and cause a fire.
- Never burn paper, painted or treated wood.
- Have your chimney or stove pipe cleaned annually before you need to use your supplemental heating device. They should also check for damage that could result in additional smoke or fire hazards.
- Follow guidelines to have all combustible materials (wall, ceiling, floor, rugs, etc.) the proper distance from the heat source. A minimum distance is 36″, but some manufacturers suggest a greater distance, plus your home insurance may have requirements that may need to be met to qualify for coverage.
- Teach all young household members & guest about fire safety and practice family fire drills to have a plan of actions should a hostile fire escape your fireplace or wood burning stove.
- Never go back into a burning house for personal belongings.
Proper safety precautions and planning can make your experience enjoyable, along with saving you money on your heating cost this winter.
Be safe. Be prepared.
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