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Fire Place and Chimney Safety ... Stay Warm AND SAFE

Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires

RISKS

Failing to Maintain and Use Heating Equipment Properly Can Have Many Consequences

  • Damage to Chimney

  • Carbon Monoxide entering your home

  • Damage to your home caused by fire

  • Complete loss of home

  • Loss of life

SIGNS OF A CHIMNEY FIRE

  • Loud rumble (Like a freight train)

  • Crackling chimney pipes

  • Smoke in home

  • Dark smoke and embers coming  from chimney

PREVENTION

There are many ways to reduce your risk of a chimney or heating system related fire

  • Have chimney and heating system inspected annually by a qualified professional

  • Don't burn wet or low quality wood

  • Follow manufacturer's recommendations for clearances for all heating appliances

  • Trim branches close to chimneys

  • Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a tight fitting lid and store away from home

  • Keep a fire extinguisher in a visible location close to exits

  • Clean chimney monthly

  • Clean chimney more often if burning wet or low quality wood

  • Ensure proper air flow for heating appliances

  • Hotter fires produce less creosote

OTHER THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

  • Working smoke alarms must be installed on every floor and outside sleeping areas

  • Homes with fuel burning appliances, and attached garages must have working carbon monoxide alarms installed on every floor and outside sleeping areas

  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly

Power Outages

  • Use battery powered flashlights instead of candles for lighting

  • If candles must be used ensure candles are in sturdy candle holders that will not tip over and are covered with a glass shade

  • Never leave lit candles unattended

  • Run generators a minimum of 20 feet from the home and ensure that the exhaust is pointed away from windows and doors

  • Shut off generators and let cool before refueling

  • Run portable heaters away from combustible materials and according to manufacturers recommendations

Barbeques

  • Never use a barbeque indoors

  • Store propane cylinders outside in a well ventilated area

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A CHIMNEY FIRE

  • Get everyone out of the home and somewhere safe

  • Call 911

  • Close dampers and doors

CAUSE

  • Creosote buildup

  • Creosote is a black or brown residue that can be crusty and flaky, tar-like, or shiny and hardened.  All forms of creosote are highly combustible.  If it builds up in sufficient quantities and the chimney temperature is high enough the result could be a chimney fire

  • Combustible materials too close to heating equipment

  • Damages or improper chimney/heating equipment

  • Improper disposal of ashes

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