Fall Safety

The cool weather of autumn provides a great opportunity to get outdoors one last time before winter arrives. Hiking, walking on trails and catch the scenery as the leaves change color are great activities for a beautiful fall day. Or just being outside to prepare your garden for the winter season, and find the perfect spots for all your summer tools. and enjoy a happy, healthy and safe autumn.

Chimney Safety

Did you know a plugged or blocked chimney could cause hazardous materials to back up and filter into your home? As a result, you should inspect your chimney at least every fall to ensure there is adequate draft, clearance and freedom from combustible deposits. It is simple to do, only takes a few minutes and will help keep you safe. If you notice evidence of chimney deterioration or are concerned about a possible block, contact a qualified chimney expert in your area.

Most fires involving either masonry or prefabricated metal chimneys occur because of improper installation, use or maintenance. the most common causes are: chimney installation too close to wood framing; having thermal insulation too close to the chimney; and, passing the stovepipe or chimney through a ceiling or wall, causing ignition of wood framing. Also, always operate within the manufacturer's recommended temperature limits. Too low a temperature increases creosote buildup, and too high a temperature may eventually cause damage to the chimney and result in a fire. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.

They should be cleaned and inspected at least once a year. Creosote builds up in a chimney as it’s used, and can lead to a dangerous chimney fire.

Call a professional and get them to come out to check your fireplace/ woodstove and chimney.

When possible, burn seasoned wood (dryness of the wood is more important than, hard wood versus soft wood).

Smaller, hotter fires will burn more completely and produce less smoke than larger fires.

Do not burn cardboard boxes or trash, as they can spark a chimney fire.

Install stovepipe thermometers, which help monitor flue temperatures where wood stoves are in use, then adjust burning practices as needed. Check the exterior chimney brickwork from the top to bottom to make sure there is no evidence of white chalky deposits, moisture, cracking or loose mortar.

The clean-out pit at the base of the chimney should be emptied each year. The contents of the pit should be inspected to determine if bits of mortar, brick or stone are present. Evidence of debris could indicate the chimney is starting to deteriorate. The clean-out pit could be either inside or outside the house. It could be either a metal frame with a door, a metal sleeve with a cap, or "Y" or "T" fitting with cap installed at the chimney connection for the furnace vent. This clean-out door should always be closed or capped in place.