Keep your homefires burning safely by following these important guidelines.

Using Your Fireplace

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before starting a fire.
• Start your woodfire safely: never use flammable liquids (such as gasoline, diesel, keronsene, or lighter fluid) to ignite or keep your fire burning.
• Keep a fire extinguisher ready.
• Burn only dry, seasoned hardwood in wood-burning fireplaces.
• Cover the fireplace opening with a firescreen to contain flying sparks.
• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for pellet stoves, gas fireplaces, and inserts.
• Keep combustibles (such as newspapers or holiday decorations) away from the fireplace and mantle.
• Never leave your fire unattended.
• Keep children away from the fireplace.
• Never burn charcoal or cook with a hibachi in your fireplace, since these items produce carbon monoxide.
• Keep the flue open while fire smolders.

Maintaining a Fireplace

• Hire a licensed inspector check your fireplace and chimney annually, ensuring the fireplace is properly vented and the flue is clear and clean.
• Replace smoke detectors every ten years.

Topics from the Safety Council

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• Candle Safety
• Computer Safety
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