Every
year Big Bear experiences unnecessary and preventable chimney
fires.
To aid in the prevention of chimney fires and carbon monoxide
intrusion and to help keep heating appliances and fireplaces
functioning properly, the Chimney Safety Institute of America
(CSIA) offers the following safety tips:
Top
10 Woodburning Tips from CSIA
1.
Get an annual chimney check. Have chimneys inspected annually,
and cleaned as necessary, by a qualified professional chimney
service technician. This reduces the risk of fires and
carbon
monoxide poisonings due to creosote buildup or obstructions
in the chimneys. 2. Keep it clear. Keep tree branches and leaves at least 15
feet away from the top of the chimney.
3. Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of
the chimney.
4. Choose the right fuel. For burning firewood in wood stoves
or fireplaces, choose well-seasoned wood that has been split
for a minimum of six months - one year and stored in a covered
and elevated location. Never burn Christmas trees or treated
wood in your fireplace or wood stove.
5. Build it right. Place firewood or firelogs at the rear
of the fireplace on a supporting grate. To start the fire,
use kindling or a commercial firelighter. Never use flammable
liquids.
6.
Keep the hearth area clear. Combustible material too close
to the fireplace, or to a
wood stove, could easily catch fire.
Keep furniture at least 36” away from the hearth.
7. Use a fireplace screen. Use metal mesh or a screen in front
of the fireplace to catch flying sparks that could ignite or
burn holes in the carpet or flooring.
8. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Place detectors
throughout the house and check batteries in the spring and
fall. When you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time,
remember to check your batteries.
9. Never leave a fire unattended. Before turning in for the
evening, be sure that the fire is fully extinguished. Supervise
children and pets closely around wood stoves and fireplaces.
10. The CSIA recommends annual inspections performed by CSIA
Certified Chimney Sweeps. These chimney sweeps have earned
the industry's most respected credential by passing an intensive
examination based on fire codes, clearances and standards for
the construction and maintenance of chimney and venting systems.
The National Fire Protection Association also recommends that
all chimneys are inspected on an annual basis.
Used with permission from the Chimney Safety Institute of
America (www.CSIA.org).
Home |
