Home Heating Tips

As cooler temperatures become the norm, residents eager to fire up an alternative heat source should plan to have chimneys and wood stoves cleaned to prevent fires. Here are a few tips for home heating this winter.

•Burn only seasoned hardwood such as oak, ash or maple. Do not burn trash, cardboard boxes or christmas trees because these items burn unevenly, and may contain poisons or cause a home fire.

•Have a professional chimney sweep inspect chimneys every year. They will fix any cracks, blockages and leaks and clean out any build-up in the chimney that could start a fire.

•Open flues before fireplaces are used.

•Use sturdy screens or glass doors to keep embers inside fireplaces.

•Keep young children away from working wood stoves and heaters to avoid contact burn injuries.

From: Home Safety Council