Fireplace Safety Tips to Start the Season Right
Matt Nicol Sponsor Relations Account Executive
Nationwide
614-359-7342
[email protected]
As the weather gets colder and your fireplace becomes more than a decorative focal
point, be sure it’s up for the task of keeping your family warm and toasty – and safe.
5 questions to ask
• Is your fireplace/chimney
inspected and cleaned by a
professional at least once a
year?
• Is your wood well-seasoned –
stored outdoors for at least 6
months?
• Do you look for signs of creosote
or soot buildup?
• Has your chimney cap been
inspected regularly or on a
routine basis?
• Do you regularly clean the
fireplace interior, including the
floor?
How to safely build a fire
• Make sure the area surrounding
the fireplace is free of
flammable objects.
• Open the chimney flue prior to
starting the fire to let fresh air
feed the flames and allow smoke to exit.
Close once the fire is put out.
• Have a metal container handy when removing
and storing hot ashes. Store it outside at a
safe distance from your home, since embers
and ashes can stay hot for awhile.
• Start your fire with newspaper, dry kindling
or organic fire starters. Never use gasoline,
kerosene or charcoal starter.
• Set up a stainless steel liner to help keep the
fire and ashes contained.
• I nstall heat-proof glass doors to keep live
embers from escaping the fireplace.
Share these safety tips from Nationwide with
your loved ones and enjoy the holidays!
Photo credit: candyboximages/dollarphotoclub.com
6 West Virginia Farm Bureau News