Using Your Fireplace When It’s Cold

Now that the weather is starting to get colder, the use of in home fireplaces is surely going to rise.  There certainly is nothing quite like the warmth of a fire. However, there are some essential safety tips to take into consideration before you spark up the logs and turn to the fireplace as a source of heat to warm your homes.

Here are some safety tips so you can enjoy your fireplace!

1. Hire a chimney sweep – At least once a year, phone your trusty chimney sweep to clean the chimney, remove soot and debris, and save any birds or pests that may be living in the pipes.
2. Inspect for damage – In addition to cleaning, the chimney sweep should inspect the structure for cracks, loose bricks, or missing mortar.
3. Cap the chimney – Install a cap with wire-mesh sides to keep rain, birds, squirrels, and debris from entering.
4. Only burn seasoned hardwoods – Choose dense wood that is completely dry. Softwoods can produce flammable by-products, and throwing your Christmas’ wrapping paper on the fire is an absolute no-no.
5. Don’t rush it – Never add flammable objects or liquids onto the fire to get it burning. This can be extremely dangerous!
6. Keep it away – Keep combustible objects a minimum of three feet away from any fireplace.
7. Use a spark guard – Place a metal screen in front of the fire to catch burning embers or shifting logs.
8. Use it right – Never use a fireplace for grilling food.
9. Put It Out – Never leave a fire unattended for any reason! Anything can happen!

To keep your home safe during the colder season, ensure that it has the best protection. Visit the professionals at American Advantage – IFS Inc. to take care of your home this winter season! Contact us in Pewaukee for all of your Wisconsin homeowners insurance needs today.