5 Safety Tips for Fireplaces, Wood Stoves and More

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

In winter, many homeowners rely on alternative sources for warmth to offset high heating costs, including fireplaces and wood and pellet stoves. While these methods are acceptable under safety standards, a lack of maintenance can render them unsafe for use, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

“We are raising the flag that if people have not yet had their chimney or vents inspected, now is the time to take this precautionary step,” says Mark McSweeney, executive director of the CSIA. “Most people who use their stoves or fireplaces on occasion don't realize that creosote buildup or blocked vents—due to leaves or animals nests—can cause dangerous problems, such as chimney fires and or carbon monoxide seeping back into a home. We want people to stay safe while they work hard to stay warm."

Aside from having your chimney and vents inspected annually, McSweeney and the experts at the CSIA also recommend:

• Making sure alternative heat sources are properly installed and operating correctly
• Using fuel specified for the alternative heat source (i.e., wood for wood stoves and pellet for pellet stoves)
• Installing a carbon monoxide detector
• Replacing smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries 

Source: CSIA

Published with permission from RISMedia.

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